​​SEAL SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR - JUNE 2016

​Big Concerts is excited to confirm another tour within the first half of 2016 with smash hit British singer/songwriter SEAL.Sunday 12th June 2016: Ticketpro Dome, JohannesburgTuesday 14th June 2016: ICC Durban Arena Thursday 16th June 2016: Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape TownPresented by Jacaranda FM, KFM, East Coast Radio and Channel 24. Another Big Concerts Experience.Multiple platinum selling artist, Tresor, began his musical journey at the age of 17 when he left the DRC after losing his parents. Since his arrival in South Africa seven years ago, he has released his debut album, ‘VII,’ signed to Vth Season, is licensed to Sony Music Africa and signed globally with Ultra Music. With two singles, ‘Mount Everest and ‘Never Let Me Go’ enjoying radio success globally and having won the SAMA for best Pop album in 2016, Tresor has been moulding a proudly African pop sound for the world to enjoy.Seal has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and released a total of nine studio albums in his career so far. His inimitable voice was first heard on Adamski’s 1991 club smash “Killer” and another Top 10 hit “Crazy” arrived shortly thereafter as Seal went on to achieve global acclaim with his debut. With global smash hits including: ‘Kiss from a Rose”, which appeared on the soundtrack to the 1995 film Batman Forever. Seal has won many music awards throughout his career including three Brit Awards, four Grammy Awards and an MTV Video Music Award. As a songwriter, he has received the British Academy’s Ivor Novello Award, for Best Song Musicially and Lyrically, in consecutive years for “Killer” and “Crazy”. In 2012, Seal was one of the four vocal coaches in the first season of the Australian version of the reality singing competition The Voice and coached the series winner Karise Eden. Seal returned to The Voice in season two where he became the winning coach once again with winner Harrison Craig. On his latest album release ‘7’ Seal commented, “ it concerns the most sung about, most talked about and most documented emotion – love”. He reunited with long-time collaborator producer Trevor Horn. This continued partnership began with his debut platinum certified release ‘Seal’ (1991) and continued with the quadruple-platinum ‘Seal II’ (1994), the gold selling “Human Being” (1998) and “Seal IV” (2003). Seal will be performing in South Africa in June 2016 for three nights only in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

​ALWAYS & FOREVER - JOBURG THEATRE, 31 MARCH-3 APRIL

The king of croon himself, Luther Vandross, will be celebrated by South Africa's own "man with the velvet voice" Timothy Moloi in this non-stop nostalgia journey of musical delight.After a sell-out inaugural concert in Johannesburg in August 2015 to rave reviews from media and audience alike, The CoLab Network is thrilled to be able to re-stage Always & Forever - A Tribute to Luther Vandross, this time at the Joburg Theatre for four performances only from March 31st to April 3rd, 2016.Vocalist extraordinaire Timothy Moloi is backed by some of South Africa's best live musicians and vocalists Tia Herman, Lelo Ramasimong and Kurt Herman along with Voices Unlimited Gospel Choir. The Music Director is star-on-the-rise Llewellyn George who also penned the musical arrangements done especially for this show and will lead a dynamite 7-piece live band. The audience will thrill to the portrayal of unforgettable hits including Superstar, Always and Forever, Endless Love, Power of Love/Love Power, Dance with My Fatherand many more. Always & Forever - A Tribute to Luther Vandross is an ideal evening for young and old to celebrate in the magic of this music icon's legacy that he left behind.Performances run from Thursday to Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm from 31 March til 3 AprilTicket prices range from R150 - R250. Bookings can be done online at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670. For group bookings of 10 or more tickets, contact the Theatre's ticketing office on (011) 877 6815 / 6853

THE LITTLE PRINCE - NATIONAL CHILDREN'S THEATRE, 8 MAR-17 APR

National Children’s Theatre (NCT) is thrilled to present “The Little Prince” based on the story by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. This heartwarming tale of love and friendship will run at NCT from Tuesday 08 March 2016.Adapted and directed by Francois Theron “The Little Prince” tells the story of an aviator who lands in the Sahara Desert. He is befriended by a Little Prince who has fallen to Earth from a miniscule asteroid, B612. Watch as the Little Prince recounts stories of his home, and his love for the sultry singing rose in the garden. She makes him so miserable that he leaves on intergalactic travels and meets with fascinating characters, each a ruler of his planets who each live alone and are consumed by their occupations. Finally he lands on earth where he meets other fascinating characters, including a dangerous snake, and a wise fox, all with different ways of looking at life. But it is not until he finally reaches Earth that the Little Prince learns life’s most important life lessons. This is a spellbinding story that has delighted children and adults alike for generations. Kids love the wild and wondrous characters; adults love the story of spiritual renewal. This is a holiday treat for the thinking family.Meet the talented young cast and the artistic director as he brings creativity and passion to this beloved classic story, creating a show that appeals to audiences of all ages.The creative team includes Set: Stan Knight; Lighting: Jane Gosnell; and Costumes: Sarah Roberts.This delightful adaptation of the classic tale leaves us with a new understanding of how to laugh, cry and love again, and how to value friendship.When 08 March to 17 April 2016 (Mondays to Saturdays during school term and Tuesdays to Sundays during government school holidays) Time daily at 10:30 and 14:30 during government school holidays; 1½ hours with a short intermissionWhere National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, JohannesburgTours To schools can be arrangedTicket prices: Four types of tickets: Tickets for chairs are R110 and tickets for cushions are R90.00. Tickets for Pensioner’s are R90.00 per person. Block Bookings (10 or more) tickets are R90.00 adults and R70.00 children. Phone Claudy or Zukiswa on 011 484 -1584/5 or email bookings@nctt.org.za . There is ample free, safe parking available within the grounds. Note Booking is essential as we sometimes tour to schools.

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY - MONTE THEATRE, 9 MARCH-17 APRIL

Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody remains one of the greatest selling hits of all time, and yet, Queen were famously secretive about the song's obscure significance. Its enigmatic story and hidden meaning have remained shrouded in mystery for over 40 years ... until now.Award-winning actor and writer, Robert Fridjhon, returns to the stage in his new one-man show that will shatter the 'Bo Rap' myth forever. This is not a musical. This isn't Freddie Mercury's biography. This is gritty London, 1970. It's Berkoff meets Guy Ritchie in a twisted thriller that will have you wondering who pulled the trigger, right until the very end.Robert is best known for his starring roles in many Pieter Toerien Productions including TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT, BOEING BOEING, A PERFECT WEDDING, THE MOUSETRAP, DON'T DRESS FOR DINNER, A LOAD OF BULL, WILD, PYTHONESQUE and JEEVES & WOOSTER IN PERFECT NONSENSE, for which he has just won a Mercury Theatre Award for his performance as Seppings.As a solo performer, Robert is emerging as a formidable force to be reckoned with. Directed by the highly acclaimed Alan Swerdlow, Bohemian Rhapsody is one show you definitely do not want to miss! Please note that BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY contains strong language and elements of violent imagery. It is, therefore, not suitable for sensitive patrons, or anyone under the age of 16.Bohemian Rhapsody is on from 9 March-17 April. Performances: Wed - Fri @ 8:15pm, Sat @ 4:15pm & 8:15pm, Sun @ 3:15pmTickets: R165 & R130 available at the theatre Box Office (011) 511 1818 or www.computicket.com

AMAZING GRACE - MONTE THEATRE, 6-17 APRIL

Inspired by the music of his latest best-selling album, BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL HYMNS, popular pianist Rocco de Villiers presents a brand new show where the piano and music takes centre stage:abide with me, THE HOLY CITY, amazing grace, AVE MARIA, glory glory hallelujah, HOW GREAT THOU ART, holy holy holy, O HOLY NIGHT, onward christian soldiers, SILENT NIGHT – just to mention a few!Joining Rocco on stage to celebrate this trove of music is bagpipe player Estian Zietsman, organist Pieter van den Berg, violinist Lizelle le Roux, percussionist Stephen Liebenberg and actress Lauren Botha.Every hymn a treasured tune, perfectly staged, beautifully lit, and superbly played.MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS Rocco de VilliersRECORDED MUSIC Pop Planet StudiosSET & LIGHTING DESIGN Denis HutchinsonSOUND DESIGN Liebenberg AcousticCOSTUMES Stoompomp by Hollywood CostumesPIETER TOERIEN’S MONTECASINO, MAIN THEATRE6 – 17 APRIL 2016BOOK AT COMPUTICKET OR AT THE THEATRE ON 011 511 1988, GROUP AND BLOCK BOOKINGS ARE AVAILABLE90 minutes (no interval)This performance will be in English with some AfrikaansRocco’s cd’s, DVD’s, sheet music, toy pianos and STOOMPOMP FASHION available at the door

LOVE FACTUALLY - MONTE THEATRE, 26 FEBRUARY-3 APRIL

Alan Committie - the star of the hit show DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN - has decided that after 941 performances of the record-breaking comedy, it’s time to take a fresh look at relationships in 2016… With a comic, honest and sometimes even touching examination of couples, our “Caveman” Committie will continue to explore the mad differences between men and women, the quirks and foibles of marriage and dating and will even try to finally provide the right answers to those loaded questions – “Do you think I look fat?”,“Are you even listening to me?”and“Would you prefer to go to the cricket or spend the day with me and my mom?!”.In Love Factually our everyman hero also investigates everything from Tinder to text breakups, online attractions and detractions, surviving as a post-modern, metro-quasi-dexi-semi-multi-mano-sexual, exploring single vs mingle, the apparent gift of having children and the supposed burden of family…If you enjoyed Defending the Caveman you’ re going to love this fresh take on why it’s ok for men and women to be so different.Alan’s long run of highly successful shows on stage at Montecasino include: “ The sound of Laughter“, “A Load of Bull”, “Noises Off”, “Boeing! Boeing!”, “Perfect Wedding”, “No, Seriously”, “Stressed to Kill”, “TV or not TV”, “Titanic on Ice”, and “Dick and Di”. Now everyone’s favourite one man Committee of COMEDY is back with the perfect “date –night” comedy for 2016!Love, factually – I mean, seriously, what the FACT?!Performances: Wed – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 5pm & 8pm, Sun @ 3pmTickets: R180, R130 & R100 at theatre box office (011) 511 1818 or at COMPUTICKET

DANCE UMBRELLA 2016 - VARIOUS VENUES, 25 FEB-6 MAR

The Dance Umbrella festival celebrates its 28th year with principal funding from the Department of Arts & Culture and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. Other key partners are the U.S. Mission South Africa, Creative Feel magazine and Splitbeam, Dance Umbrella’s chief supplier of technical equipment; and also the French Institut of South Africa; the Goethe Institut Johannesburg (Dance Writer’s Workshop), National Arts Council; City of Joburg, The Market Theatre Foundation, Soweto Theatre, Camoes- Instituto Da Cooperacao Da Lingua, Embassy of Portugal South Africa and Lufthansa.Dance Umbrella 2016 opens on February 25 at the UJ Arts Centre Theatre and runs until March 6, 2016.The Dance Umbrella festival celebrates its 28th year with principal funding from the Department of Arts & Culture and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. Other key partners are the U.S. Mission South Africa, Creative Feel magazine and Splitbeam, Dance Umbrella’s chief supplier of technical equipment; and also the French Institut of South Africa; the Goethe Institut Johannesburg (Dance Writer’s Workshop), National Arts Council; City of Joburg, The Market Theatre Foundation, Soweto Theatre, Camoes- Instituto Da Cooperacao Da Lingua, Embassy of Portugal South Africa and Lufthansa. Dance Umbrella 2016 opens on February 25 at the UJ Arts Centre Theatre and runs until March 6, 2016.For more information on the programme, CLICK HERE

DRAGGING 30 - THEATRE ON SQUARE, 14-26 MARCH

DRAGGING 30is a fabulous fresh explosion of musical energy for theatre goers,opening at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square in Sandton from the 15th March for two weeks only! The production enjoyed a sell-out season in Cape Town recently and is a delightful bouquet from the inventive and musical minds of Genna and Natasha.This hilarious comedy cabaret and drag show is a wonderful journey through the minds of two women, trying to come to terms with life’s third decade - whilst learning to love themselves and embrace their thirties!Starring in the production is Genna Galloway(Grease, Cats and Sound of Music),Natasha van der Merwe(Mamma Mia, Sister Act) and Alan Fleischman, who drops in halfway for a special appearance as drag queen, Cadenza Jones. He spills out pearls of wisdom through his pouty lips of a botoxed face.The stories and witty dialogue are spiced with loads of humour and a combination of classics and original songs.Don’t miss this good escapist night out at the theatre!Bookings can be made by calling the Auto & General Theatre on the Square on 011 883-8606 orStrictly Tickets on 082 553 5901 or www.strictlytickets.com for all online bookings

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN - TEATRO THEATRE, MONTE, 15 JANUARY - 13 MARCH

Singin' in the Rain, another critically acclaimed award-winning production direct from London's West End, will be produced and presented in South Africa by Pieter Toerien at the Artscape Opera House and the Teatro at Montecasino between December 2015 and January 2016, immediately after its international tour to New Zealand, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore. Making a splash from the moment it premiered in the UK, this superb production of Singin’ in the Rain extended its run in Chichester due to unprecedented public demand before transferring to the famous Palace Theatre in London. Now, after a sell-out West End season, praise from critics, four Olivier Award nominations, and a major UK tour, Singin’ in the Rain is set to delight audiences in Cape Town and Johannesburg.Musical star Bethany Dickson, who hails from Cape Town and was nominated this year for a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for her performance as Maria in South Africa, China and New Zealand, stars as the aspiring actress Kathy Selden, opposite Grant Almirall who makes his debut as the charming Don Lockwood. Almirall triumphed last year as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys, a role for which he was also nominated for a Fleur du Cap Theatre Award. The cast of 27 includes Steven van Wyk as Cosmo Brown, Taryn-Lee Hudson as Lina Lamont, James Borthwick as RF Simpson, Mark Richardson as Roscoe Dexter and Anne Power as Dora.With its joyous story, high-energy choreography and sumptuous set design and costumes, Singin’ in the Rain showers you with everything you could wish for in a hit musical.With its joyous story, high-energy choreography and sumptuous set design and costumes, Singin’ in the Rain showers you with everything you could wish for in a hit musical.Singin' in the Rain is at the Teatro at Monte Casino in Johannesburg from 15 January 2016 to 13 March 2016. Performances are Tuesdays to Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sundays at 1:00pm and 6:00pm. Tickets cost from R200 via Computicket, 08619158000 or box office via 011 510 7995. ​Please note, the first 3 rows of the stalls (A – C) are designated as the “splash zone” where there is a strong chance of a shower during the show's big number. To avoid getting wet, please do not select seats in these rows.GET A SNEAK PEEK AT THE AWESOME CAST IN ACTION

Everyone knows that tobacco is harmful, but it’s going to be very good for its audiences!Directed by Sylvaine Strike, the darkly funny Tobacco, and the Harmful Effects Thereof is coming to the Market Theatre to enthral and entertain Johannesburg audiences. ​The play carries the nostalgic tinge of a vintage movie, and will linger in the hearts of its audiences long after the final bow. Adapted and written from various iconic sources by William Harding and devised further in collaboration with Sylvaine Strike, Tobacco played to captivated houses and sold-out, critically acclaimed seasons throughout 2014 and 2015, including the Grahamstown National Arts Festival (main and Fringe), Baxter Theatre, Hilton Festival KZN and the Amsterdam Fringe Festival.It stars renowned physical theatre master Andrew Buckland as the hen-pecked husband Ivan, with a haunting guest appearance by the well-loved Toni Morkel (The Travellers, Coupé) as his wife.The show also sees Strike and Buckland team up for their first-ever long awaited collaboration. Both Buckland (1986) and Strike (2006) are Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners 20 years apart, and have wanted to work together for over a decade. This long overdue meeting of creative souls has resulted in pure alchemy.Ivan (Andrew Buckland), who makes no claims of being an erudite professor, has been bullied by his wife (Toni Morkel) into giving a lecture on the harmful effects of tobacco, even though he is only an occasional smoker. This is a hilarious and deeply poignant journey of a man trying to be heard for the first time.Tobacco and the Harmful Effects Thereof has just returned from a highly successful run at the Amsterdam Fringe Festival 2015 as part of the Best of Fringe programme and will complete its South African tour at the Woordfees Festival in Stellenbosch on 9 and 10 March 2016.Cast: Andrew Buckland as Ivan Toni Morkel as Wife Season: 10 February – 06 March 2016Venue: The Barney Simon Theatre Show times: Tuesdays to Saturdays @ 20h15 and Sundays @ 15h15 To make block bookings, please contact Anthony Ezeoke 011 832 1641ext 121.

ONCE UPON THIS ISLAND - JOBURG THEATRE, 9-13 MARCH

Once On This Island tops dynamic line-up of Festival of Fame The enchanting award-winning Broadway musical, Once On This Island, will come to life on the Mandela Stage at the Joburg Theatre from 9 – 13 March.Described by critics as 90 minutes of pure joy, this Calypso-flavoured musical, based on the novella My Love, My Love by celebrated Caribbean writer Rosa Guy, is a non-stop song and dance re-imagining of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid with a touch of Romeo and Juliet’s forbidden romance.Set on a mythical Caribbean island somewhere in the French Antilles archipelago, it tells the story of Ti Moune a beautiful young peasant girl who falls in love with Daniel a boy from the “upper” class. The tale unfolds with poignancy and heartbreaking pathos as Ti Moune is sent on a quest by the four elemental gods of the island to prove that love is more powerful than prejudice and death. The mystical tale of love sees a people healed and united through sacrifice, redemption and rebirth. Bringing the story to life on the Mandela stage are the highly gifted team of Timothy Le Roux (resident director of the Joburg Theatre and an Alumnus of the National School of the Arts) and Tracey Human (Standard Bank Young Artist 2001 and a staff alumnus of the NSA having taught both dance and drama in recent years) Le Roux and Human share the choreographic and directorial responsibility and vision. They are generously sharing their wealth of professional experience with the young cast members from the National School of the Arts. Gala Opening: Thursday 10th March @ 20:00 Saturday 12th @ 15:00 and 19:30Sunday 13th @ 15:00School matinees:Wednesday 9th March @ 13:45 Thursday 10th March @ 13:45 Friday 11th March @ 09:00 The comprehensive Festival of Fame programme can be found at www.festivaloffame.co.za.

RAISIN IN THE SUN - MARKET THEATRE, 2-28 FEBRUARY

February is celebrated as Black History Month, and the powerful play A Raisin in the Sun has been chosen by the iconic Market Theatre to highlight this important event. The Johannesburg debut of this play is set to delight both local and international audiences, and its production marks the fourththeatrical collaboration between the Market Theatre and the US Embassy in South Africa. The Market Theatre also celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and Artistic Director James Ngcobo has committed to staging an exciting line-up of diverse and exhilarating productions in honour of that milestone.The play is about a family in Chicago going through its everyday struggles in the squalor it calls home. Walter Lee Younger, the eldest son, knows that he wants far more than life has offered him and feels trapped in this whirlwind of an existence. He fears that if things don’t change, he will not be able to even catch his breath. Hansberry explores the pain of this man, and instils the play with a sense of pathos in all the scenes between Walter and Ruth, his wife.It is also a historical document that deals with how people change with each generation, yet it underlines the fact that not much has changed in life’s circumstances. The questions posed a couple of decades ago remain unanswered today, and the work of those who asked those questions is not done yet. The cast is as follows - Charlie Bougenon, Gaosi Raditholo, Hungani Ndlovu, Khatu Ramabulana, Khulu Skenjana, Lebo Toko, Lesedi Job, Phaka Zwedala, Trena Bolden Fields.A Raisin in the Sun will premiere at the Market Theatre for a limited season 2 – 28 February in celebration of Black History Month, giving a voice to the struggles of everyday people who are faced with challenges but still carry their hope and dreams.

MA DIVA MAGIC - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, 22-27 FEBRUARY

Ma Diva Magic is a high end variety show with magic and cabaret taking centre stage at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square in Sandton from the 22nd to the 27th February 2016.Featuring award-winning entertainers, Ms Irit Noble and Olwethu Dyantyi, Ma Diva Magic will take the audience back to a time before TV - where theatre ruled entertainment and where guests dressed up for the occasion! From the costumes, sound and lighting, you are guaranteed a night of elegance, magic and wonder!Ms Noble adds a modern twist to the old cabaret genre as the hit favourites are woven into a show of wonder enhanced with truly mind blowing illusions by the “Glamipulator” himself, Olwethu Dyantyi.At only 23 years old, rising star, Olwethu Dyantyi, has already achieved so much. He studied magic for six years at the College of Magic in Cape Town and graduated in 2009. Hailing from Khayelitsha, Dyantyi has not only performed on stages in South Africa but he has also taken his passion and talent for magic and captivated audiences in the likes of Las Vegas, Italy, the UK and China. He was also one of the top six finalists in SA’s Got Talent in 2013. His most recent achievement, however, was taking top honours at the 2015 South African Magic Championships held in October, where he also clinched the coveted Grand Prix title for his performance results.Comedy diva and cabaret queen, Ms Irit Noble, has everything you need in an entertainer – sass, style and a sultry singing voice. She has recently been recognised for her impressive work in the South African entertainment industry by winning the Mbokodo award for comedy. Her time in the spotlight has included hosting SABC 3’s Comedy Showcase, MC-ing at Madame Zingara, hosting on Cape Talk and 702 Talk Radio, performing at the Cape Town Carnival and the Smirnoff Comedy Festival to name a few. All in all, Ma Diva Magic is a top quality and original South African show, ideal for the whole family, that everyone needs to see at least once - even if it is just to be reminded that deep inside we all enjoy (and need) a little bit of elegance and wonder.Tickets cost R130 per person and are available on Strictly Tickets (www.strictlytickets.com) or at the theatre (011 883 8606). The shows run at 20h30 from the 22nd to the 26th and at 18h00 and 21h00 on the 27th February.

THE FABULOUS CERI DUPREE SHOW - THEATRE ON SQUARE, 16-20 FEB 2016

Ceri Dupree is heading back to South Africa, hot off London’s West End in a brand new, hilarious glitterfest, The Fabulous Ceri Dupree Show. The limited Cape Town and Johannesburg season will be presented by VRG Theatrical. Ceri has been delighting audiences worldwide for more than 30 years and his unique talents have landed him roles in musical theatre, pantomime, summer seasons, TV and cabaret. He has performed in major venues around the world, including Las Vegas, London, Spain, Greece and the Seychelles. His passion for theatre has inspired him to write and produce his own shows and most recently he starred alongside his sister, Ria Jones at the St. James Theatre in London in the runaway smash hit Miss-Leading Ladies, that London critics adored unanimously.In The Fabulous Ceri Dupree Show, Ceri closely resembles and sounds just like the gorgeous Divas he impersonates. Every song is performed live, with no lip-syncing. From the glamour days of Marlene Dietrich and Doris Day, through the Broadway Divas era to icons like Cher, Madonna, Adele and Lady GaGa, Dupree takes his audience on a rollercoaster ride that will delight and entertain.With more than 20 suitcases filled to the brim with gowns, headdresses, feathers, gloves, boas and enough diamantes to dazzle an audience, Dupree is set to display a glorious array of wardrobe, scarcely seen since the heyday of his mentor and friend, Danny La Rue.The Fabulous Ceri Dupree Show is a whirlpool of illusion, captivating chemistry and a delightful homage to the revered leading ladies of today and of a bygone golden era. The show runs in Cape Town at the Artscape Arena from 9 to 13 February 2016 with tickets costing R150.00 and with all bookings via Computicket or 08619158000. In Johannesburg the show will run at the Auto & General Theatre On The Square, Sandton from 16 to 20 February 2016 and bookings are available through www.strictlytickets.com or on 082 553 5901.

SCOTT STAPP OF CREED - NATIONAL TOUR, 12, 13, 15 DECEMBER

Scott Stapp, frontman of legendary Rock band Creed, heads to South Africa for the first time this December and will perform live in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town.Scott Stapp co-founded and fronted Creed, achieving great commercial success in the late 90’s with singles such as With Arms Wide Open, My Sacrifice, One Last Breath and Higher.Creed released three consecutive multi-platinum albums, of which ‘Human Clay’ has been certified diamond, collectively selling over 53 million albums worldwide and becoming the ninth best-selling artist of the 2000s. In 2001 With Arms Wide Open also won Creed a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.Stapp pursued his solo career after Creed went on break in 2004 and released two solo albums with his debut The Great Divide (2005) and the most recent release Proof of Life (2013).His first tour to SA will see Stapp with full band performing all of the hits and fan favourites from Creedalong with his solo material, and promises an incredible night for fans. Confirmed Dates for Scott Stapp – The Voice of Creed – Live In SA, are:Saturday, 12 December - National Botanical Gardens, PretoriaSunday, 13 December - Zoo Lake, Parkview, JohannesburgTuesday, 15 December - Hillcrest Quarry, Durbanville, Cape TownTickets sales have opened and are limited for each venue, so be sure to purchase tickets before they sell out to avoid disappointment.Tickets are available online from http://breakout.nutickets.co.za/For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/BreakoutSA/events

WATERSHED SET TO OPEN FOR ROXETTE IN SA

Big Concerts has confirmed that South Africa’s number one acoustic rock band, Watershed, will support Roxette on the South African leg of their celebrated world tour ‘XXX – The 30th Anniversary Tour’. Since their breakthrough in 2000 with their single, ‘Indigo Girl,’ South African rock icons Watershed have solidified their reputation as one of the most respected and decorated bands to come out of the southern tip of Africa. Their distinctive melodic guitar sounds blend with the sultry tones of lead singer and songwriter, Craig Hinds, voice to create a soothing and classic rock sound that is easily recognisable and yet utterly unique. Their albums and singles have consistently been rewarded with gold and platinum status both locally and abroad. Roxette’s on-going world tour will lead up to the celebration of the band’s 30th anniversary in 2016. "XXX - The 30th Anniversary Tour” has been celebrated by critics and fans all over the world, and the band has sold out several legendary arenas such as The O2 Arena in London, Olympia in Paris and Olympiahalle in Munich. The ultimate Roxette collection ”Roxette XXX – the 30 biggest hits” is on sale now in support of the tour. 2016 sees Roxette kicking off their 30th Anniversary Year and the South African tour dates, in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, mark the start of this very special year in Roxette’s record breaking history.

ROXETTE 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR - NATIONAL TOUR, JAN/FEB 2016

Big Concerts confirmed today that Roxette have added four South African dates to their celebrated world tour ‘XXX – The 30th Anniversary Tour’. Tour Dates:Johannesburg: 31st January 2016 at the Ticketpro DomeDurban: 2nd FEbruary 2016 at the ICC Durban ArenaPort Elizabeth: 5th February 2016 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Outer FieldsCape Town: 7th February 2016 at the Grand Arena, GrandWestPresented by Kyknet, M-Net, Algoa FM and Bok Radio. Another Big Concerts Experience. Tickets go on sale Friday 14th August at 9am from Computicket and www.bigconcerts.co.za Roxette’s on-going world tour will lead up to the celebration of the band’s 30th anniversary in 2016. "XXX - The 30th Anniversary Tour” has been celebrated by critics and fans all over the world, and the band has sold out several legendary arenas such as The O2 Arena in London, Olympia in Paris and Olympiahalle in Munich. The ultimate Roxette collection ”Roxette XXX – the 30 biggest hits” is on sale now in support of the tour. TICKETS on sale from 14 August from R395-R790 through COMPUTICKET

BAD JEWS - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, 14 JANUARY-14 FEBRUARY

The Fugard Theatre’s BAD JEWS to play at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square in Johannesburg after its South African Premiere in Cape Town! Eric Abraham and the Fugard Theatre present Joshua Harmon’s blisteringly funny and thought provoking comedy BAD JEWS, at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square in Johannesburg from 14th January 2016. The production will run for a month in Johannesburg and must close on 14th February 2016.After the death of their grandfather, Poppy, a family heirloom propels cousins Daphna and Liam into a domestic battle of honour, faith and heritage. The devoutly Jewish Daphna is at odds with her secular cousin Liam, an entitled young man detached from his cultural traditions. Caught in the middle are Jonah, Liam’s younger brother, and Liam's non-Jewish girlfriend Melody, who just wants everyone to get along. When the group is forced to spend the night in close quarters, hilarity and mayhem ensues.GREG KARVELLAS (Champ, The Frontiersmen), directs an all South African cast of four including, LARA LIPSCHITZ (Cabaret, Jersey Boys), GLEN BIDERMAN-PAM (Somewhere on the Border, The Epicene Butcher), OLIVER BOOTH (Skews Me, Life with Oli Booth, Champ) and ASHLEY DE LANGE (X+Y, Gly), with set and costume design by SAUL RADOMSKY (The Shadow of the Hummingbird, Orpheus in Africa). Lighting design is by DANIEL GALLOWAY and BEN DU PLESSIS (The Rocky Horror Show, Orpheus in Africa).As BAD JEWS will only run for a limited season at Auto & General Theatre on the Square, advance booking is highly recommended.All bookings are through Computicket.com,their various outlets as well as the national call centre on 0861 915 8000.

MADAME ZINGARA - MONTECASINO, 4 NOVEMBER-30 JANUARY

The Queen of Flanders, Madame Zingara’s opulent new spiegelpaleis, is now at Montecasino in Johannesburg, in time for the festive season! After a sell out three month season in Cape Town, the Queen bids a royal farewell to the Mother City and heads to the City of Gold for two months from 4 November 2015 until the end of January 2016.The Celebration is an invigorating sensory experience showcased in the world's largest mirrored palace, the spiegeltent known as The Queen of Flanders. After fourteen months of pre-production, the electrifying show is dinner cirque entertainment at its finest, with the Theatre of Dreams pulling out all the stops in celebration and commemoration of 15 years of unique Madame Zingara magic. Richard Griffin, the founder of Madame Zingara and the creative genius behind the iconic brand, directs the production, assisted by Marc Colli.The Celebration showcases performers from 11 countries and SA, including former Cirque du Soleil aerial pole artist Saulo Sarmiento from Spain, the Diabolo Girls from China, the Quick Star duo from South Africa and Argentina, a Ukrainian hand balance and contortion trio, a teeter board act from Montreal, the tiniest showgirl Miss Lola La Plume, and so much more. Aviation goddess Cathy Specific struts her stuff as the glamorous MC, backed by her sexy vocalists The Specifics that includes Bianca Le Grange, Emile Doubell and Carmen Maarman, and even the waiters contribute to the delectable madness as they dart between tables in an array of quirky costumes serving the delicious four-course dinner that has been created by top Madame Zingara chefs Emile Goliath, Heinrich Koen and Linda Beuken.The Celebration runs from Tuesdays to Sundays at 20h15 at Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg from 4 November to 30 January 2016. Arrival timeis 18h00 with guests to be seated by 19h30 for the start of the show. Tickets range from R450 to R950per person and includes welcome drinks and canapéson arrival and the four course dinner. Exclusive corporate and Christmas lunch and dinner packages are available. Matinee performances cost from R450– R750. Please seewww.madamezingara.comfor more details. All booking and enquiries are via 0861 623 263or boxoffice@madamezingara.com

ANDRE THE HILARIOUS HYPNOTIST - MONTE THEATRE, 15 JAN-14 FEB

Andre the Hilarious Hypnotist returns to the Montecasino Theatre stage to enthral local fans with his fast wit, dry humour and astounding ability to turn even the most innocent of us into anything from a washing machine to superman, providing the ideal way to chase away the New Year blues. His season at the Montecasino Theatre officially kicks off on Friday 22 January running for a limited season until Sunday 14th February.There are also four preview performances taking place this weekend - Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th January - “to get the New Year going and to get into the swing of things ahead of next week’s opening”.For the past 21 years Andre held his audience spellbound with his ability to get members of the public to do various strange weird and incredibly entertaining actions on stage. His previous shows at The Monte Casino have been sell-out successes.Andre is renowned for presenting unforgettable, highly-interactive performances that leave his audiences flitting between fits of laughter and gasping in absolute amazement as ordinary volunteers drop deep into a hypnotic trance and lose all inhibitions with just a click of his fingers. His shows are suited for young and old, and with no two volunteers being the same you can never really claim that you have seen his show before. You can expect a different reaction every time a new volunteer takes to the stage and even Andre admits that he is never too sure what will happen in his next performance. He has presented his explosively funny hypnosis show at more than 4 500 live performances and hypnotized well over 30 000 people. With this Andre hurls the age-old art form of hypnosis kicking and screaming into the 21st century with supersonic hypnotic speed and outrageously funny modern day comical sketches. Andre The Hilarious Hynotist will be performing at Montecasino Theatre from Friday 15th January - Sunday 14th February on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm, Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are R140 and can be booked through Computicket.Don’t miss out on the ideal way to chase away the New Year blues….

QUEEN: IT'S A KINDA MAGIC - JOBURG THEATRE, 14 JAN-7 FEB 2015

QUEEN IT’S A KINDA MAGIC returns to The Mandela at Joburg Theatre from January 14th to February 7th 2016. It was last performed in Joburg in 2009 to sold-out houses.The show is the theatrical creation of the very best of QUEEN live in concert, delivering the whole QUEEN experience.The show is expected to be yet another hit for promoters Showtime Australia who wowed crowds and drew critical acclaim for THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL – THE WHITNEY HOUSTON SHOW which played earlier in the year. QUEEN IT’S A KINDA MAGIC attracted the attention, endorsement and eventual involvement of Peter Freestone, Freddie Mercury’s best friend, neighbour, biographer and personal assistant for 12 years. After reviewing the show while in Singapore in 2007, Freestone was duly impressed and contacted promoter John Van Grinsven with his compliments. A friendship ensued and Freestone now tours with QIAKM where his schedule allows, acting as a production consultant for the show as well as signing autographs and chatting with Queen fans. Englishman Giles Taylor will spearhead the role of Freddie Mercury, with support from Australians Richie Baker as Brian May on guitar, and Kyle Thompson as Roger Taylor on drums, and South Africa’s Steven Dennett as John Deacon on bass.QUEEN IT’S A KINDA MAGIC features over twenty original QUEEN hits, including We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions, Another One Bites The Dust, Killer Queen, A Kind of Magic, Radio Ga Ga, Don’t Stop Me Now, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Play the Game, I Want to Break Free, Who Wants to Live Forever and many more.QUEEN songs are anthems, the band legendary and Freddie Mercury iconic. QUEEN IT’S A KINDA MAGIC transcends the void of reality and make-believe. The audience forgets that this is not a real QUEEN concert, giving the cast standing ovations every night.Performances run from Thursdays to Saturday at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm.Tickets are R160, R220, R260 and R350 and are available by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com or calling 0861 670 670. For group bookings of 10 or more, please contact the theatre directly on (011) 877 6853/6815.

RODRIGUES NATIONAL TOUR - JAN/FEB 2015

Big Concerts have announced that the legendary Rodriguez will be returning to South Africa to perform in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in January/ February 2016. Tour Dates:Johannesburg: 29th January 2016 at the Ticketpro DomeDurban: 31st January 2016 at the ICC Durban ArenaPort Elizabeth: 3rd February 2016 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Outer FieldsCape Town: 5th and 6th February 2016 at the Grand Arena, GrandWestPresented by Jacaranda FM, Algoa FM, Bok Radio and Kyknet. Another Big Concerts Experience. Tickets go on sale at Computicket and www.bigconcerts.co.za

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO - LYRIC THEATRE, GRC, 26 NOVEMBER

Multi Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo will soon be back in Jozi after a long hiatus, to celebrate their 55th Anniversary wowing audiences on music stages worldwide, in a special one night only concert to be held at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Thursday 26 November at 8pm.An Evening with Ladysmith Black Mambazo promises to be an exclusive and intimate evening of non-stop nostalgia, taking the audience on a journey through their many successes – both locally and abroad spanning the last five decades.Instantly recognizable hits like Homeless, Diamonds on the soles of her shoes, Nomathemba, Ofananaye, Lelilungelo, Phanse Emgodini and many others will provide an experience not to be missed.“Gold Reef City is proud to host the iconic four time Grammy Award winners at our equally iconic theatre,“ says Gold Reef City Marketing Manager, Gareth Kaschula. “Their show further imprints Gold Reef City as the premier entertainment destination in the south of Johannesburg”, he adds.An Evening with Ladysmith Black Mambazo is an ultimate evening for the die-hard fan as well as those who wish to experience one of South Africa’s biggest music success stories for the first time.“I am honoured and thrilled that I get to produce this very special anniversary celebration as the group has always been one of my life-long favourites and are so inspirational to our industry as a whole. They are proof that it’s not only about incredible talent, but with hard work, discipline and humility, you can truly reach for the stars and attain them”, says Collett Dawson, Owner of The CoLab Network.She continues; “Joburg audiences haven’t had the opportunity to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo in a while, so this evening at Gold Reef City is going to be such a treat for the audience.” An Evening with Ladysmith Black Mambazo is on for one night only at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Thursday 26 November at 8pm.Tickets range from R185 – R245 and can be booked online at www.goldreefcity.co.za , by calling The Lyric Theatre Box Office on (011) 248 5000 or through Computicket.Discounts for groups of 10 or more, senior citizens, scholars and students apply.Hear our interview with Thami and Thulani Shabalala below

JUST CARRY ON WILLIAM - MONTE THEATRE, 9 DEC-17 JAN

​In the very early Eighties, genius comedian Kenneth Williams ("Oo-er, Matron!") slipped into a studio to begin a legendary series of recordings of Richmal Crompton's stories of the naughtiest boy in the land, William Brown. Just William, as he has been known and loved for more than seventy years, and his gang, The Outlaws, battle elderly aunts, simpering sisters, testy teachers and furious farmers and other residents of their village, including the monstrous, lisping Violet Elizabeth Bott. In a dazzling display, and in the hysterical tradition of JEEVES AND WOOSTER, South Africa's most versatile comedian, Malcolm Terrey, brings to life Kenneth Williams and all the riotous mayhem of Just William's adventures. JUST CARRY ON WILLIAM is enough to make you "Thcream and Thcream until you're Thick" with laughter. Terrey plays Williams playing William - what better holiday entertainment could you want?Performances: Wed – Fri @ 8:15pm, Sat @ 5:15pm & 8:15pm, Sun @ 3:15pm Tickets: R165 & R130Great discounts available for Students, Seniors & Group Bookings – call Geraldine (011) 511 1988 to book All other bookings at theatre box office & Computicket (011) 511 1818

SWAN LAKE ON ICE - THE TEATRO, MONTECASINO, 3 DEC-10 JAN

The world’s premier theatrical ice skating company, The Imperial Ice Stars, returns to South Africa with a dynamic new interpretation of its award-winning masterpiece Swan Lake on Ice. Opening in December for a limited season at Johannesburg’s Teatro at Montecasino before moving to Cape Town for a season at Artscape Opera House, the acclaimed production is part of a world tour celebrating the company’s 10th Anniversary.Performed in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage, to Tchaikovsky’s famous and well-loved score, this production of Swan Lake on Iceintroduces a new prologue to the classic tale, humanising the legend of a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. The show features exhilarating new choreography and some of the world’s most stylish dancing on ice from Artistic Director Tony Mercer, widely regarded as the world’s leading creator of theatre on ice. ​The 24 Olympic, World, European and National Championship level skaters, who between them hold more than 250 competition medals, tell the timeless tale through mind-blowing high-speed leaps and throws - and daring manoeuvres so complex they haven’t yet been named - coupled with graceful and sublime ice dancing.In addition awe-inspiring acrobatics, aerial gymnastics and spectacular new pyrotechnic effects add drama and mystery to the theatrical experience.The costuming has also been refined for this new production, with some dazzling and sophisticated designs from renowned costumier Albina Gabueva of Moscow’s Stanislavsky Theatre, and made by the famous Bolshoi Ballet’s costume cutters.The Imperial Ice Stars are renowned for marrying well-loved classical scores with breath-taking choreography and romantic narrative, creating a fusion of adrenaline-rich ice dancing and dramatic performance. performing at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including London’s Royal Albert Hall, Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Grand Theatre, Sydney’s Lyric Theatre and an outdoor season at the Sabatini Palace Gardens in Madrid.Whether you’ve seen The Imperial Ice Stars’Swan Lake on Icebefore or have yet to experience the thrill of world-class ice skating in the intimacy of the theatre, this dramatic new ice interpretation of one of the most popular ballets will have you on the very edge of your seat.JOHANNESBURG: The Teatro at Montecasino – 3 December to 10 JanuaryTickets: R400, R350, R325, R275, R250, R200, R150 & R100Performances: Tue – Fri @ 7:30pm, Sat @ 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sun @ 2pm & 6pmCAPE TOWN: Artscape Opera – 14 January to 31 JanuaryTickets: R400, R350, R325, R275, R250, R200, R175, R150, R125 & R100Performances: Tue – Fri @ 7:30pm, Sat @ 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sun @ 2pm & 6pmWIN TICKETS NOW

SLEEPING BEAUTY - JOBURG THEATRE, 7 NOVEMBER-30 DECEMBER

The evergreen tale of the beautiful princess who is cursed at her christening by the wicked fairy in Janice Honeyman’s “pantomime of your dreams”, Sleeping Beauty, will be on the stage of The Mandela at Joburg Theatre from November 7th to December 30th 2015. This will be the first time the pantomime Sleeping Beauty has been staged at Joburg Theatre since 2002.Janice Honeyman promises that “Our Sleeping Beauty will bring the pure magic of pantomime once again to Joburg, mixed with sheer spectacle, special effects, laughter, outrageous puns, double-entendres and the most popular of contemporary music, mixed together with some classic melodies always associated with this story. Not to mention the giant spider, the fateful spinning wheel and That Kiss!”The all star c last is headed up by Tobie Cronjé, who returns to grace the Joburg stage with his over-the-top portrayal of Dame Nora Nursey. South Africa’s newest musical theatre star, Candida Mosoma, returns to Joburg Theatre as the Good Fairy Floradora Daisy directly after her triumphant portrayal of Deloris Van Cartier in the smash hit musical Sister Act.Named one of Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Sexiest Men in 2010, Sowetan Live’s sexiest in 2011 and fourth in Men’s Health Cover Guy Search in 2014, Christopher Jaftha returns to panto at Joburg Theatre as Prince Harry Hunkador the Handsome, taking a break from his busy schedule as the latest Top Billing new face. Nicole Fortuin started her career as a dancer – representing South Africa internationally on many occasions – and can be seen this year as Chris Jaftha’s Princess Aurora-Adora in Sleeping Beauty.Timothy Moloi, one of South Africa’s most prolific and popular performers, also returns to the panto this year to play the revealingly named character of Sir Poensface Ponce-a-Lot. South African television and theatre star Michelle Botha will play the Wicked Fairy Kakkamella Khakibos. Michelle was last seen at Joburg Theatre in her much lauded outrageous starring role as The Lady of the Lake in the musical Monty Python’s Spamalot.Join all the zany pantomime characters and watch the battle of good over evil commence as our princess is awoken from 100 years of sleep.Providing additional style and some ‘wow moments’ in Sleeping Beauty will be nine youngsters from the Joburg sports and dance training academy Art of Motion.Completing the huge all-South African cast of this year’s Joburg Theatre panto will be Daniel Fisher, Tshepo Ncokoane, Sean Louw, Keaton Ditchfield, Dale Scheepers, Bisi Bangiwe Ka Jobela, Kiruna-Lind Devar, Sarah Richard, Venolia Manale, Mary-Jane Zimri, Suzaan Helberg and Maryanne Van Eyssen. Janice Honeyman’s award-winning creative panto team consists of Timothy Le Roux (resident director), Graham McLusky (lighting designer), Trevor Peters (sound designer) and Nicol Sheraton (choreographer).Marga Sander serves as Musical Director for Sleeping Beauty with Drew Rienstra as Assistant Musical Director.Sleeping Beauty is produced by Bernard Jay for Joburg Theatre, with associate producers Simon James and Claire Pacariz, and is brought to Joburg Theatre in association with MNet, Jacaranda FM and Your Family Magazine. Over 30,000 tickets have already been sold for this year’s Joburg Theatre pantomime, with tickets for preview performances on Saturday November 7th and Sunday November 8th ranging from R165 - R290.Regular performance ticket prices from November 13th to December 30th range from R215 - R340.Bookings are exclusively through www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670.

I'M PLAYING YOUR SONG - MONTE THEATRE, 17 DECEMBR-10 JANUARY

Marvin Hamlisch was the man behind some of the most beautiful music of the twentieth century. From his humble beginnings as Barbra Streisand’s rehearsal pianist on Funny Girl to winning a record three Academy Awards on the same night at only 29, it was clear that he was destined for greatness. Not only was he the composer of famous hits like The Way We Were, Nobody Does it Better and I Finally Found Someone, he was also the composer of musicals such as A Chorus Line and They’re Playing Our Song. In-between these, he was responsible for the film scores of The Sting, Ice Castles, Sophie’s Choice and an armful of other titles. In short, his music shaped a generation.Further more, he was a genuine mensch with a life as compelling as his music. I’M PLAYING YOUR SONG traces his remarkable story through the songs and music he gave the world. Jonathan Roxmouth is back at the YAMAHA grand piano as Marvin Hamlisch himself with Sharon Spiegel-Wagner playing everyone from his first Juilliard teacher to Barbra Streisand herself in an evening of music, memories and heart.Tickets: R200, R150, R120 & R100 @ computicket.com or at Theatre Box Office (011) 511 1818Performances: Wed to Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 4pm & 8pm, Sun @ 3pm

JAMESON VIC FALLS CARNIVAL - VIC FALLS, 29/30/31 DECEMBER

Africa’s most thrilling music and adventure festival is only a few short months away and the anticipation is electric! Upping the ante this year, festival organisers Seed Experiences have confirmed the legendary Mango Groove to headline this year’s carnival! This multi-platinum-selling iconic band continues to embody the biodiversity of Africa through their original, uplifting sound. Their unique, fresh blend of South African Marabi, Kwela and Pop influences, together with the voice and presence of Claire Johnston and the evocative penny whistle melodies of Mduduzi Magwaza, have captivated audiences around the world for decades and are now coming to Zimbabwe to ring in the New Year! Heating up the line-up are one of SA’s most successful electronic acts, GoodLuck, who are best known for their hit “Taking it Easy”, with over one million Youtube views! Hot off their year of touring Europe and Africa they’ll create an unbelievable music experience with their slinky electro swing!Originating from the beautiful setting of our festival, Victoria Falls, Mokoomba have conquered Europe with their wildly energetic shows fusing ethno-jazz, traditional Tonga rhythms, Sahara blues, and salsa. This blend of local Tonga and global influences will no doubt create that truly African experience our fans have come to expect.To round up our first artist announcement we’re also adding a couple of titans of the decks into the mix. First up is Hidden Culture founder, Neverland organiser and ZiFM DJ, the all-round music pioneer Jason Le Roux. With a disregard for genres and a penchant for Afrocentric elements, Zyon Black will bring his unique brand of bass music to the festival. Winner of the 2013 DJ Idols competition, Bhana, who has now solidified his place as one of Zimbabwe’s top DJ’s will also be spinning the decks. Lastly DJ Rax who has been collaborating with major African artists & playing at some of the country’s biggest events joins this electric lineup.For more info, go HERE or simply book your tickets NOW

BEAST NEW ALBUM RELEASE - BARDO, FEBRUARY 2015

After recording their debut album (Smoke Swig Swear) in September 2012, BEAST released it early in 2013 as a free download and it was met with critical acclaim with Rolling Stone Magazine naming it number 16 in its 'Best Albums of 2013'.In 2014, BEAST had enough material for a second album. But they needed assistance.Recording the kind of quality album that they wanted was going to be difficult, as BEAST is not signed to a major label with monetary support. But they prefer it that way. Artistic freedom and creative integrity are very important to the band.So they decided to run a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. Fans and contributors could choose to pre-order the album ($8), be an Executive Producer of the album ($50), or have BEAST perform a private show for them and their friends ($480). The band raised enough money to complete the album, BARDO.BARDO was officially released on 6 February 2015. The album was recorded live in October 2014 at Heritage Sound by Brendyn ‘Rusti ’ Rossouw, and mixed by BEAST bassist, Rian Zietsman at Sticky Music for Media. BARDO was produced by Die Vieskêrels (Zietsman and Nel) and available at most digital music stores.

ENGELBERT CALLING - MONTECASINO TEATRO, 24/25 NOVEMBER

Last chance to book tickets for the extra show on Friday 27 November ​His name comes from the 1911, century Austrian composer who wrote "Hansel & Gretel." His voice comes from heaven, and he has been a legend in the international music industry for the last forty plus years, with over 150 million records sold. He has a global fan base of millions. He is Engelbert Humperdinck and soon he will be singing his ever popular hits such as (Please) Release Me and the unforgettable Quando, Quando, Quando in South Africa at the Grand Arena, Cape Town for one show only on 21 November, followed by two shows at the Teatro at Montecasino on 24 and 25 November. Brought to South Africa by leading local promoter, Showtime Management, the four “Engelbert Calling” concerts offer local fans the opportunity to enjoy the music of this famous icon up close and personal while live in concert as he performs many of his evergreen hits such as After The Lovin, Spanish Eyes, The Last waltz, Am I That Easy To Forget, There Goes My Everything, Les Bicyclettes de Belsize, Winter World Of Love and This Moment In Time. “I can’t wait to go back to South Africa,” says Humperdinck. “I have some wonderful memories from past concerts in your country. I would like to show people what I’m doing now including my new duet album called “Engelbert Calling.”Shows begin at 20h00 and tickets are now on sale at Computicket from R500-R850. #EngelbertSA

DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN - VICTORY THEATRE, UNTIL 24 DECEMBER

“Defending the Caveman” is the longest-running and most successful solo comedy in South African theatre history and is now once again touring South Africa. Caveman still holds the record of the longest running non- musical solo comedy of all time on Broadway. What more can be said about this wonderful show that so humorously exposes the hunter and gatherer in us all and has played to over a million people?Penned by Rob Becker, Plewman adapted the script for Southern Africa and went on to win the Vita Award for Best Actor in a comedy. Updated, upgraded and totally uploadable to today’s world of tweets, selfies and six million Facebook friends, this production is still a hilarious, affectionate and insightful comedy that explains why men and women see the world so differently, and will have you looking at your partner with new eyes. After years of hearing that all men are assholes, the Caveman once again stands up to be counted...and being a troglodyte, standing upright is not an easy thing to do. ​'Defending The Caveman" runs until 24 December at The Victory Theatre. Tickets R120, book HERE.

JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH - NCT, 10 NOV-23 DEC

A special delicious treat awaits National Children’s Theatre audiences as Roald Dahl’s classic James and the Giant Peach is brought to life during December school holidays from Tuesday 10 November 2015. The story of James, his magical peach and the best friends a boy could have, is sure to transport audiences into an enchanted world.James and the Giant Peach is a tale of a young orphan boy who flees from his two conniving aunts. One day he meets an old man who gives him a bag containing the strongest magic in the world. James spills contents of the bag on an old peach tree and watches in amazement as the tree grows a peach which keeps on growing until it is as huge as a house. He steps inside this magical peach and meets five larger than life garden bugs. Together they embark on a magnificent journey taking them from the cliffs of Dover, across the Atlantic Ocean all the way to New York City.Audiences learn about the wickedness of some and goodness of others as they follow James, the wise Old Green Grasshopper, the pessimistic earthworm, Miss Spider, Centipede and Lady Bird on their wildly fun magical adventure. Directed by Francois Theron, James and the Giant Peach features an energetic and multi-talented cast that will keep both children and adults delighted and enthralled. The creative team includes Set: Stan Knight, Lighting: Jane Gosnell and Costumes: Sarah Roberts. If you’re looking for fun-filled entertainment and exciting theatre! Don’t miss James and the Giant Peach. Book now! This is a must-see show for the whole family!National Children’s Theatre is committed to provide exceptional theatre experiences of the high professional quality to enrich, enlighten, educate and entertain. Strong education and training programs are central to our commitment both local and national, says Moira Katz, CEO of NCT. ​When 10 November to 23 December 2015 (Mondays to Saturdays during school term and Tuesdays to Sundays during government school holidays) Time daily at 10:30 and 14:30 during government school holidays; 1½ hours with a short intermission Where National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg Tours To schools can be arranged Ticket prices: ​Four types of tickets: Tickets for chairs are R110 and tickets for cushions are R90.00. Tickets for Pensioner’s are R90.00 per person. Block Bookings (10 or more) tickets are R90.00 adults and R70.00 children. Phone Claudy or Zukiswa on 011 484 -1584/5 or email bookings@nctt.org.za . There is ample free, safe parking available within the grounds. Note Booking is essential as we sometimes tour to schools.

NOISE - MARKET THEATRE, 13 NOVEMBER-6 DECEMBER

Legendary actress and director Dorothy Ann Gould will soon present the first play she has ever directed for the Market Theatre with Noise, a gritty and thrilling drama that has earned rave reviews overseas.As well as marking Gould’s directoral debut for the renowned Market Theatre, the play stars three young actors who have never played at the Market before - Rowlen von Gericke, Thabo Rametsi and Nokuthula Ledwaba. Noise was first presented 20 years ago and set in a poor area of Birmingham in the UK. This new adaptation transitions well to South Africa. The themes are universal; poverty, unemployment, the disintegration of the nuclear family and inferior education. It’s the timeless story of young people who fall “below the radar” and who try to hold onto their hopes and dreams against all odds.Gould says that for this work to have the integrity and impact of the original production that she saw in London in 1995, she needed to find a common language, a commonality in the characters’ history and experience, and on this score she is “indebted to the input of Mark Graham Wilson who has adapted the original script. Searing, brutal and yet cathartic, the play has humour, poignancy and a powerful social comment.”​As Tom Williams wrote in his review for the ChicagoCritic.com, “economic depression sure has a cost in killing the human spirit. Noise…….. reminds us that a modern society must not leave anyone behind.”Noise runs from 13 November until 6 December at The Barney Simon Theatre with tickets from R90.

SWEENEY TODD - PIETER TOERIEN'S MONTE THEATRE, 9-13 DECEMBER

Featuring sublime theatrics, a thrilling, chilling story, suspense, passion, deliciously dark humour, with a score and lyrics that have taken on iconic status, directed and designed by the award-winning KickstArt team of Steven Stead and Greg King, and starring Jonathan Roxmouth and Charon Williams-Ros… it doesn’t get any better than Sondheim’s SWEENEY TODD!SWEENEY TODD features an all-star South African cast that includes our Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors – Candice van Litsenborgh - alongside Michael Richard, Jaco van Rensburg, Anne Marie Clulow, Adam Pelkowitz, Luciano Zuppa, Wesley Swain Lauder, Cameron Botha, Pauline du Plessis, Sanli Jooste, Claire Simonis, Megan Rigby, Schoeman Smit and a very special welcome back to our stage after many years touring overseas in CATS – our very own Earl Gregory! MD for the show is Rowan Bakker. Costume designs by Neil Stuart Harris. Lighting is by Tina le Roux.This musical thriller by American theatrical genius, Stephen Sondheim, features one of the greatest musical theatre scores ever written. It tells the outlandish tale of urban legend, Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, who famously murdered his clients in his barber chair, where after his whacky neighbour, and partner in crime, Mrs Lovett, turned them into much sought after meat pies. Set in 19th century England, SWEENEY TODD looks at what drives a man to this sort of extreme revenge and obsession, and considers what tragedy lies in his dark and mysterious past. This gripping musical features the classic songs ‘Pretty Women’; ‘Johanna’; ‘Not While I’m Around’; ‘By the Sea’; ‘A Little Priest’, and ‘The Ballad of Sweeney Todd’.SWEENEY TODD won both the Tony Award and the Olivier Award for BEST New Musical when it was first produced in 1979, and is now also a major motion picture by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Alan Rickman and Sacha Baron Cohen delicious as the sly fop Pirelli. Cameron Mackintosh has called Sondheim "possibly the greatest lyricist ever". Johannesburg audiences are urged to book early for this ultimate Musical Theatre treat!Booking is through Computicket (011) 340 8000 or Theatre Box Office (011) 511 1818. Tickets cost R350, R250, R150 & R100Performances: Wed – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 4pm & 8pm, Sun @ 3pm & 6:30pmListen to the interview with Sweeney Todd-aka-Jonathan Roxmouth HERE

BET EXPERIENCE AFRICA - TICKETPRO DOME, 12 DECEMBER

Multi-Grammy award winning R&B superstar Mary J. Blige is to raise the roof with a trademark heartfelt performance at the BET Experience Africa at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg on 12 December. Blige, who last performed in South Africa in 2007, will join Maxwell, Raphael Saadiq and Young Thug on the same stage as African superstars AKA, Flavour and Diamond Platnumz at what is shaping up to be the lifestyle experience of the year.Pure, unadulterated and empowering - that has been Mary J. Blige’s calling card ever since her 1992 multi-platinum debut album, What’s the 411? In the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter’s musical strong suit has attracted an intensely loyal fan base - responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums and 25 million singles. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 30 nominations) and four American Music Awards, Blige is only getting started. The singer returned just as fierce and compelling on her tenth studio album, the aptly titled “My Life II … The Journey Continues (Act 1)” – a sequel to Blige’s 1994 classic “My Life”.Coming to Africa for the first time in 2015, the BET Experience Africa provides the perfect kick off to the summer season, taking over Johannesburg’s Ticketpro Dome for a non-stop, jam-packed entertainment fest, bringing together lovers of urban culture and music. Wowing visitors all day long, the BET Experience Africa will showcase great food, fashion, music, comedy, sport, sneakers and much, much more.Inspiring, immersive and hugely entertaining, BET Experience Africa will feature stunning live performance on an outdoor Festival Stage, while stand-up routines from comedy stars will keep the audience laughing. Fashionistas will also be able to check out the hottest trends on the Sneaker scene from sneaker heads Hunting for Kicks and enjoy fashion shows from top South African designers. For inspiration, attend one of BET’s informative and instructive Genius Talks, curated by experts and opinion formers in various fields including Fikile Mbalula, Minister for Sports & Recreation. Driving fanatics will enjoy the Drift Zone with high octane displays of extreme driving to get the pulse racing. Reserve your court-side seat for the fun-packed Celebrity Basketball Game and you could be watching top celebrities battle each other for sporting supremacy!The BET Experience Africa is promoted in partnership with Glen 21 and inspired by the BET Experience, held annually in Los Angeles.Tickets for the BET Experience Africa are on sale now at www.ticketpro.co.za. Ticket prices, which give access to all of the above, range from R550 on the mezzanine level to R850 (floor standing), R1250 (floor bleachers) and Golden Circle at R1500. Students qualify for a 10% discount by logging in to the Ticketpro website and using the passcode ‘STUDENT'.

SCOOBY DOO LIVE, MUSICAL MYSTERIES - CT & JOZI, DECEMBER 2015

The much-loved Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang take centre stage in an all-new family musical, SCOOBY-DOO LIVE! MUSICAL MYSTERIES, presented by Warner Bros, Life Like Touring, and Airey Scott Entertainment, in association with Boomerang and DSTV.Featuring everyone’s favourite characters from one of television’s longest-running animated series, SCOOBY-DOO LIVE! Tickets go on sale to the public today and are available from Computicket. Tickets in Johannesburg and Cape Town are priced from R 120 – R 290.In this exciting new production, Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang have been called upon to help solve an epic mystery. A trouble-making ghost is haunting a local theatre and Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Scooby-Doo are on their way in the Mystery Machine to crack the case. With crazy ghosts, perplexing puzzles, and an abundance of Scooby Snacks, it’s Scooby-Doo and friends at their best, travelling across South Africa this summer, solving mysteries wherever they go.Scooby-Doo has been delighting families for decades, and today is one of the most popular and in demand family entertainment shows on DSTV in South Africa.We are expecting sold out performances in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with thousands of fans attending each show over the scheduled weekends in the two major cities. Warner Bros, Life Like Touring, and local promoter AIREY SCOTT Entertainment are thrilled to be bringing SCOOBY-DOO LIVE! MUSICAL MYSTERIES to all Scooby fans in South Africa.For information on the SCOOBY-DOO LIVE! MUSICAL MYSTERIES click HEREMUSICAL MYSTERIES is set to thrill audiences at the Big Top Arena at Carnival City in Johannesburg from 4 – 6 December, and at the Grand Arena, Grand West in Cape Town from 11 – 13 December.

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY - EMPEROR'S PALACE, 18 NOV-6 DEC

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel fans are in for a treat as they relive Simon and Garfunkel's greatest hits in The Simon and Garfunkel Story from 18 November to 6 December in the Theatre of Marcellus. The tribute show celebrates the Folk/ Rock duo’s 50 years since the pair recorded their first number one hit single, The Sound of Silence. Direct from its success in London’s West End, a sold out UK tour and standing ovations at every performance, the show is back on the road! Using huge projection photos and original film footage, a full live band will perform all the hits, including “Mrs. Robinson”, “Cecilia”, “Homeward Bound” and many more.Venue: Theatre of Marcellus Date: 18 November – 6 December 2015Time: Wednesday - Friday: 20h00, Saturday: 15h00 & 20h00, Sunday: 12h00 & 15h00Price: R165 per personBooking: For more information and Bookings contact the Emperors Palace Box Office on 011 928 1297/1213, visit www.emperorspalace.com or Computicket www.computicket.com.

COLOUR ME HUMAN - FRINGE, JOBURG THEATRE, 12-29 NOVEMBER

“Colour Me Human – a new world musical” is a story celebrating every human beings shared and collective humanity.Whatever our different cultures, belief systems, spiritualities and various perceptions of creation are, at the core we are all connected. Colour Me Human is an uplifting and layered theatre experience told through sound, movement and visuals. The music is a wide and undefinable soundscape composed by Steve Dyer including a stirring arrangement of Makubenjalo (let it be).The choreography is by the creative duo of Sonia Radebe and Nhlanhla Mahlangu, who trace various rituals around key stages in our lives. Director, Makhaola Ndebele likens the ebb and flow of Colour Me Human to a pulsing heartbeat .Willhelm Disbergen conceived the set and stage design, and Thando Lobese designed the costume.Talented soloists include young Zimbabwean songstress Ammara Brown and dynamic opera star Ann Masina. Creator of the concept, Steve Dyer explains: “Some postulate that the reason we as a species have thrived and multiplied is our ability to act collectively in ways that no other species are capable of doing. We need to see more evidence of that, and more evidence of the love that Nelson Mandela said comes more naturally than hate to the human heart.”In this age of difference and conflict, intolerance and survival, Colour Me Human is a look at how human beings, as a collective species should be united in that we are all a part of the same race – the human race.Colour Me Human opens at The Fringe, Joburg Theatre, from November 12th to November 29th.Tickets are R150 and are available by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com or calling 0861 670 670. For group bookings of 10 or more, please contact the theatre directly on (011) 877 6853/6815.

JOHANNESBURG BIG BAND, AT THE MOVIES - LYRIC THEATRE, 25 NOV

Join the Johannesburg Big Band and two of South Africa's finest vocal talents in a scintillating celebration of everyone’s favourite movie tunes in Johannesburg Big Band At The Movies at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City for one night only on Wednesday 25 November at 8pm.After four successful shows, this world-class 17-piece big band, directed by Adam Howard, returns to The Lyric Theatre providing a charming musical journey that celebrates MOVIES in true, classic big band tradition.Johannesburg Big Band At The Movies will be a concert full of famous movie themes with songs that will instantly take audiences back into the movie theatre. Playing music from golden oldies such as Casablanca and The Sound Of Music to block busters like Rocky, Superman and Star Wars - there is something for everyone.Joining the big band on vocals will be the uber-talented multi-award winning KB Motsilanyane and instantly recognisable Brandon October who will take audiences down memory lane singing unforgettable movie hits like Beauty and the Beast, Unchained Melody, Son of a Preacher Man, Fame and many more.Johannesburg Big Band At The Movies will be a night out on the town to remember, transporting the audience through a roller-coaster ride of their favourite movie theme tunes and songs. The show will highlight the inimitable flair of the Johannesburg Big Band and the vocalists, as they provide an unforgettably nostalgic evening for those wanting to be transported back to all those memorable movies across the years."Our Johannesburg Big Band concerts have been such a success over the last 2 years at The Lyric Theatre, so we were thrilled to be asked to stage another one, this time celebrating one of my favourite past-times – and many others I’m sure – the MOVIES!" says Collett Dawson; Executive Producer from The CoLab Network.Johannesburg Big Band At The Movies is on for one night only at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Wednesday 25 November at 8pm.Tickets range from R135 - R185 and can be booked online at www.goldreefcity.co.za , by calling The Lyric Theatre Box Office on (011) 248 5000 or through Computicket.Discounts for groups of 10 or more, senior citizens, scholars and students apply.

THE CRADLE WILL ROCK - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, 13-21 NOVMEBER

The Oakfields College Faculty of Dance and Musical Theatre will present the South African premiere of THE CRADLE WILL ROCK at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square from 13 - 21 November.THE CRADLE WILL ROCK was first created in 1937 by Marc Blitzstein and is an allegory set in fictional ‘Steeltown, USA’. It is a tale of the fight against corruption and corporate greed - themes which are certainly as relevant and prevalent today as any other.THE CRADLE WILL ROCK was the first American musical from a working class perspective, and the first to address the contentious battles between company owners and labour unions, which were popping up (often in the midst of bloody, violent conflicts) all over America during that period. At a time when the idea of the redistribution of wealth and expansive rights for workers was becoming increasingly seductive, the subject matter of THE CRADLE WILL ROCK was considered so controversial, that the US government banned the show from opening, sending the army to close down the theatre where it was supposed to premiere. This did not stop the creators, who found a different theatre anddefiantly opened that same night!The plot follows the efforts of Larry Foreman to unionise local workers and combat wicked, greedy businessman, Mr. Mister, who controls the town's industrial and social organisations. Although the subject matter is weighty, it is presented in the form of a musical comedy, portraying characters such as Editor Daily, Harry Druggist, Junior Mister, Dr. Specialist and Reverend Salvation. Blitzstein’s score boldly mingles jazz, popular song, church chorales, marches, arias and recitative - and is sure to keep audiences intrigued, outraged and amused from start to finish!Acclaimed professionals: Elizma Badenhorst (director) and Wessel Odendaal (musical director) have worked with the Oakfields College dance and talented musical theatre students, to present a truly outstanding South African premiere of THE CRADLE WILL ROCK.Tickets cost only R75 per person. Students, scholars, pensioners and block bookingspay only R60 per person. Book early! Call the theatre on 011 883-8606 or Strictly Tickets on 082 553 5901 or online: www.strictlytickets.com

VIOLET ONLINE - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, 27 OCTOBER-7 NOVEMBER

“Being over 40 and single will never be the same again!”How can a divorcee, over forty and single, dating, broke, with a fetish for grammar and spelling - and an ever present tingling between the thighs - be so utterly, delightfully delicious? Violet, who certainly isn’t a shrinking one, gives us all the answers. Recently divorced, she barges into the world of cyber dating, scrabble sex (you heard it first here), a midlife Brazilian wax discovery, crossing the colour barrier, struggles with clothes and smouldering real time sex with virtual strangers. Violet lives and learns, dispenses advice and confesses all… in a delightfully unselfconscious way.VIOLET ONLINE is based on blog posts by a well-known, mostly a lot to say about them, anonymous, over 40, mother, ex-wife, and grammar fiend. The production opens at Sandton’s Auto & General Theatre on the Square with its first preview on Tuesday 27th October for a two week run.Gorgeous Cape Town actress LYNITA CROFFORD plays modern, sexy, funny and confident Violet, who is, quite simply, looking for love. Or sex? - Or love and sex? And she does it all in her own tongue in his cheek way.MEGAN FURNISS directs this sassy and titillating piece that has recently played to highly responsive audiences at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown and enjoyed sold out runs at The Alexander Bar and The Kalk Bay Theatre in Cape Town earlier this year. VIOLET ONLINE comes to the newly refurbished Nelson Mandela Square at Sandton from the 27th October and this is clearly where she is meant to be. Botox, boyfriends, coffee shops, shopping, sex and sensuality are must-haves in Violet’s world, and boy, does she have…!Sassy, very sexy and only slightly shocking, VIOLET ONLINE is a delightful way to spend an evening at the theatre. The perfect fun-filled entertainment for all – especially for a girls night out!Performances take place at 20:15 from Tuesdays to Fridays, with 2 shows on a Saturdays, at 18:00 and again at 20:30. Ticket prices are R140 from Wednesday - Saturday. There is a half-price special on Tuesdays and Girl’s Night Out group discounts. Call the theatre on 011 883-8606 or Strictly Tickets on 082 553 5901 book online early: www.strictlytickets.com

CHIANOSKY - PARKERS COMEDY, SILVERSTAR CASINO, 5 NOVEMBER

Fresh from her support slot with Carly Rae Jepsen, ChianoSky performs live at PARKER’s in Silverstar Casino on Thursday 5 November!ChianoSky recently released her brand new album ‘Inferno’, the follow-up her to multi-nominated debut album ‘Hungry’. Come and celebrate a great night out as SA’s top Female Pop artist performs music from her brand new album along with fan favourites such as ‘Sick Sick’, ‘Live Out Loud’, ‘Walking Away’ and more! Two time SAMA-nominee Howie Combrink will be supporting ChianoSky on the night, performing known radio hits such as ‘Don’t Be Sayin Goodbye’, ‘Change’, and his brand new single ‘The Light of My Day’.Expect an incredible show from ChianoSky as she brings her top-class live performance to the West of Johannesburg!CHIANOSKY (supported by Howie Combrink) live at PARKER’s - Silverstar CasinoDate: Thursday, 5 NovemberVenue: Parker’s Comedy, Silverstar Casino, Krugersdorp, JohannesburgDoors open: 6:30pmTicket Prices: Pre-sale is R80 (which closes Midnight on 4 Nov) / At The Door R100 on the nightTicket Link: HERE

BALCONY.TV LIVE ROOFTOP PARTY - NOVEMBER 1

The second BalconyTV: Live rooftop party takes place on Sunday 1 November at 3 Desmond Street in Sandton, giving music fans a breathtaking view of the heart of Sandton while watching top-class live music. BalconyTV have relaunched their legendary Sunday Live Music Shows and on 1 November they will host live performances from Toya Delazy, The Plastics, ISO, Ruby Gill and Sutherland. Enjoy a relaxed Sunday with great live music and a breathtaking view of Sandton. There’s no better way to end the weekend.Enjoy music videos from each artist:

BalconyTV - Music with a View is a leading daily online viral music show that features bands, musicians and other variety acts on balconies worldwide airing online to 54 cities around the world. Watch the Johannesburg edition of BalconyTV NOW Ticket prices are R90 pre-sale and R100 at the door, so get them now HERE Sunday, 1 November: BalconyTV: Live @ 3 Desmond Street, Sandton, JHBToya Delazy, The Plastics, ISO, Ruby Gill and SutherlandAddress: 3 Desmond Street, Kramerville, SandtonStarts at 2pm / Ends at 8pmTicket Pricing: R90 Online pre-sale | R100 Door

PRIME CIRCLE - WALTER SISULU BOTANICAL GARDENS, 1 NOVEMBER

Since they first burst onto the music scene 15 years ago, Prime Circle’s career has been an inspiration thanks to world class performances by Ross Learmonth (guitar and vocals); Marco Gomes (bass); Dale Schnettler (drums); Neil Breytenbach (keyboards) and Dirk Bisschoff (guitar).The band has released six albums to date – the latest being the acclaimed Let the Night In – and achieved multi-platinum-selling status in South Africa as well as being the recipients of numerous awards. This year they won a South African Music Award (SAMA) for Best Music Video for Doors as well as being nominated three other SAMA awards including Best Rock Album for Let the Night In. Prime Circle also collaborated at the SAMA award ceremony with Cassper Nyovest – a performance which was hailed as the showstopper of the night.Prime Circle was also nominated in 2015 for two MTV Africa Music Awards as well as for an All African Music Award in the Best African Rock category. 2015 also saw one of the most thrilling local collaborations of the year as Prime Circle teamed up with Pro to release the power track Bring Us Together, to commemorate Castle Lager’s 120th birthday. Last year also saw Prime Circle embarking on one of its biggest European and South African tours to date.Says Ross Learmonth, “we’re excited to be returning to this venue, it is a stunning venue which is perfect for a day out with family and friends. We will be in Germany for two weeks prior to this event, and we’re hoping to bring a new fresh sound, taking it to the ‘max’.’Prime Circle at The Gardens, brought to you by Sony Max (DStv Channel 128), takes place at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort, on Sunday, November 1. Gates open at 13h00, show starts at 14h00 and close at 18h00. Ticket prices are R80 for adults and R50 for kids. Tickets are available at Computicket.Bring your family and picnic baskets along and enjoy an unforgettable concert.

THE MAN & THE MOUSE - THE FRINGE @JOBURG THEATRE, 9-11 OCTOBER

From the creators of the sold-out smash-hit Simply Broadway comes something brand spanking new- and its set to blow the socks off both young and old!With music and movies which continue to define generations, The Man & The Mouse retells the story of Disney studios and the incredible mind behind it all- Mr Walt Disney. From his early rise to success, his death, the Disney Renaissance and eventual incomparable rise of the Disney empire, the show provides a behind the scenes look at what really happened, guided along by the music which has captured the imagination and hearts of people of all ages, stripped down and re-arranged into an intimate and edgy showcase of classic Disney magic.With music from the likes of Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Toy Story, Tangled and Frozen, to name but a few, this show takes these classic musical numbers and revives them, providing a glittering and grown-up homage to the incredible creations of Disney.Prepare for nostalgia at its best! Fresh, inventive, slick and simple- Come and witness Disney like you’ve never seen it before!Book HERE for this not to miss show.

A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD - NCT, 25 AUGUST-11 OCTOBER

They’re back after a long winter hibernation! Arnold Lobel’s story takes us on a happy trip following the adventures of perky Frog and worrywart Toad as the two amphibians and their animal and bird friends live through the seasons. This delightful musical weaves together the well known and loved short stories, and we see how real friends encourage and take care of each other. They play together, tell stories and find ways to make each other happy. And we see how they deal with the challenges of daily living – waiting for seeds to grow, embarrassment at being seen in a swimming suit, sending a letter by snail mail (really snail mail!) As the year progresses, the duo fly kites, rake leaves, Frog tries to frighten Toad during a thunderstorm with a scary story and the song “Shivers.” Finally, as winter is approaching, Snail arrives to deliver the letter to Toad, proclaiming Frog’s satisfaction with their friendship – and then, all too soon, it’s time to hibernate again. This kind of friendship – trustworthy, steadfast, and forgiving – may sound old-fashioned but Lobel's books tell it in an engaging way: True friendship never goes out of season. Directed by Francois Theron, A Year with Frog and Toad is fun and energetic. This is an enchanting musical for the whole family. The musical score bubbles with melody and wit, upbeat jazzy and catchy songs that will replay in your mind for hours after you’ve left the theatre. In New York, the show broke new ground by bringing professional children’s theatre to Broadway (nominated for a Tony), sparking the interest of 3-10 year olds. When: 25 August 2015 to 11 October 2015 (Mondays to Saturdays during school term and Tuesdays to Sundays during school holidays) 10:30 and 14:30 during government school holidays; 1½ hours with an intermission at National Children’s Theatre, 3 Junction Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg Four types of tickets: Tickets for chairs are R110 and tickets for cushions are R90.00. Pensioner’s over 65 tickets are R90.00 per person. Block Bookings tickets are R90.00 adults and R70.00 children. Tickets are on sale now, phone Claudy on 011 484 -1584/5 or email bookings@nctt.org.za . There is ample free safe parking available within the grounds. Note Booking is essential as we sometimes tour to schools.

THE CHILLI BOY - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, 6-24 OCTOBER

THE CHILLI BOY – one of the most successful local shows of the past decade – is back in Johannesburg at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square in Sandton. GERALDINE NAIDOO’s surreal and ground breaking play has come a long way since it premiered thirteen years ago at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. This theatrical phenomenon has kept South African audiences flocking to theatres over the past few years. It also had a successful run as one of the plays selected as part of the West End Festival of Performance in London in 2007.THE CHILLI BOY is the hilarious portrayal of an old Indian woman reincarnated as a white gangster from Boksburg.At the age of 35, the gangster starts suffering flashbacks from his previous life as an Indian woman. These visions prompt him to don a sari while cooking delicious Indian curries and biryanis. He no longer wants to brawl his way around the streets of Boksburg as his newly discovered maternal instincts start to determine his behaviour. His tough reputation is threatened by the resultant turmoil.Naidoo has created a play that tackles issues of cultural identity, racial difference and masculinity in an extraordinary and highly entertaining way. “The play continues to attract huge audiences from across the vast racial and cultural spectrum that constitutes contemporary South African society,” says Naidoo. While Naidoo's conception, writing and direction have been lauded as brilliant, it is the masterful performance of multi-award winning actor MATTHEW RIBNICK that has had audiences gasping for breath. “Many audience members are convinced that the actor is mad. In just over an hour, Ribnick skilfully snaps back and forth between characters ranging from the ordinary to the bizarre,” says Naidoo.Bouts of raucous laughter are punctuated with poignant moments of absolute sincerity as the audience comes to grips with a remarkable story told by a “madman” with a few hats.THE CHILLI BOY is on at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square in Sandton from 6th – 24th October.Tickets are available directly from the Theatre or through Strictly Tickets on 082 553 5901 or online: www.strictlytickets.com. The show is not suitable for persons under the age of 12.

PRIVATE PRESLEY - JOBURG THEATRE, 10-25 OCTOBER

Bovim Ballet is thrilled to announce that, in association with the CoLab Network, they will be re-staging their fantastically popular Private Presley. This will be the third season of the show since it was created in 2013, but the first time that the public has a chance to see the show outside of Cape Town. It will commence with a 3-week season in Johannesburg during October, followed by another 3-week season in Cape Town during November.From the same creators of the smash hit Queen at the Ballet, the high-energy production features over 30 of Elvis Presley`s original recordings including Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, Blue Suede Shoes, A Little Less Conversation, Hound Dog and many more foot-stomping, unforgettable hits. Private Presley follows the gigantic rise of one of Rock `n Roll`s greatest legends, portraying memorable and key moments from his jam-packed life.Audiences can look forward to a kaleidoscope of timeless classics set to hip-swaying choreography that will leave you all shook up! Patrons can expect to leave the theatre with nostalgic memories and a smile on their face after having been thoroughly entertained by Bovim Ballet.The enviable cast includes some of South Africa’s most sought-after dancers. Portraying the epic role of Elvis is the super-talented Henk Opperman (Freddie Mercury in Queen at the Ballet and winner of Dans! Dans! Dans!), while the role of Priscilla is danced by the exquisite Nicola van der Merwe (SwingTime, Queen at the Ballet). Elvis' best friend, Nick Adams, is danced by Devon Marshbank (Jim Hutton in Queen at the Ballet), while Tanya Futter (African Footprint), Simoné Botha (Miss Deaf SA 2012) and Faye Dubinski (Queen at the Ballet) respectively portray three of the most well known love interests in Elvis's life namely Ann-Margret Olsson, Natalie Wood and Juliet Prowse.These strong leads are further enhanced by a stellar supporting cast including Sven-Eric Müller, Michèle La Trobe, Alex Ishchenko, Buyile Narwele, Ché Milani, Tamryn van Houten, Manie Irving, Gill Upsher, JV Mattei, Kristin Wilson, Franco Lamprecht, Lwanele Masiza, Xola Willie, Rachel Abrahams, Craig Arnolds and Jenna Roll. Private Presley - A Salute to the King is brought to you by Bovim Ballet in association with The CoLab Network.Book NOWTickets range from R150 – R350 and are exclusively available from www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670. Discounted rates for groups of ten or more are available by calling Joburg Theatre on (011) 877 6853/6815. Pensioners also qualify for a 10% discount.Preview performances at 8pm on Friday 9 October and Saturday 10 October are available at a 2-for-1 discounted price.Private Presley has no age restriction although no under 3’s encouraged due to patron comfort.The show runs for 2 hours and 10 minutes including a 20 minute interval.

PHARRELL WILLIAMS - TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED SEPTEMBER 2015

Big Concerts in partnership with Woolworths are pleased to announce that Grammy award winning producer and performer PHARRELL WILLIAMS will perform 2 public concert dates in September 2015. Pharrell Williams is a creative force, using music, fashion, and design to express his distinctive style. From his beginnings as a teenage prodigy and multi-instrumentalist in Virginia Beach back in the early 90’s, through enough hits to earn him Billboard’s Producer of the Decade in 2010 with over 100 million copies of his productions sold worldwide. Williams has helped create such classics as Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky”, Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines”, Nelly’s “Hot in Herre”, Jay-Z’s “I Just Wanna Love U (Give It To Me)”, Britney Spears’s “I’m a Slave 4 U” and Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You”. On the 9th of April 2015, Pharrell announced his collaboration with Woolworths on the “AreYouWithUs?” campaign, a creative partnership aimed at uplifting education and environmental sustainability in South Africa. The strategic collaboration is the first of its kind for a South African retailer, and will see the global superstar and the business align their values and actions to make a difference in the lives of people, and the planet. Williams takes on the role of Style Director in a ground-breaking collaboration across a series of sustainability-focused projects. The partnership is a strategic one, grounded in a strong set of shared values. For more info click HERECape Town Monday 21st September 2015Grand Arena, GrandWestTicket Price: R450 – R735Johannesburg Thursday 24th September 2015Ticketpro DomeTicket Price: R395 – R735Tickets from www.bigconcerts.comWIN a double ticket to the Johannesburg show, enter HERE

STORY BOOK THEATRE - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, 14 SEPTEMBER-11 OCTOBER

The most beloved children’s theatre, Peoples Theatre, proudly presents another series of timeless tales, The Golden Goose, The Sword in The Stone and much more, in this year’s magical production of Story Book Theatre. Running from 14th September to 11th October, children of all ages will fall in love with their favourite bookshelf classics all over again when they experience the enchanted world, which dynamic duo Jill Girard and Keith Smith creatively bring to stage. “Our aim has always been to share the wonder of books with children. To bring life back to all the most dearly loved stories and give children something memorable to carry with them after the curtain falls,” says Girard. The Story Book Theatre series has always been extremely popular and in past years has seen sold out performances. In 2015 it’ll be no different. With great fairy tales the likes of The Brave Little Rooster, The Golden Goose, The Magical Soup Stone, The Three Wishes, The Pudding Tree, My Son is Always Right and King Arthur and the Sword in The Stone all taking centre stage, the only thing left is a superb cast to perform them – together with the entire audience who become on integral part of the show.And this is exactly what young audiences will get with the skills of actors like Sarah Malherbe, Andile Magxaki, Kyra Green, Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri and Jaydene Marais. All five performers are highly proficient in musical theatre and have appeared in Peoples Theatre classics before. Malherbe played Belle in Beauty and The Beast last year, while Magxaki, Green and Mahaka-Phiri performed in Shrek Jnrthis year. Marais is an old-hand having played a number of roles in various Peoples Theatre children’s productions since the age of eight, her debut being Christopher Robin in Winnie the Pooh and more recently Beauty and The Beast and Disney’s Jungle Book, to name some.And what unforgettable children’s musical theatre production would be complete without contemporary child-friendly music, which is what musical director Drew Rienstra has provided in his kaleidoscope of toe-tapping renditions of popular hit songs. Providing the colour and breathing vibrant life into the stories is the stunning set design by Grant Knottenbelt and glorious fun costumes by Linda Wilson.Special school performances are available at R70 per learner plus for every 20 learners there is one complimentary ticket per educator - extra educators R70 each and all other accompanying adults are R90 each.To book tickets call Andrew or Lorraine on 011 403 1563 / 2340 and for more information visit www.peoplestheatre.co.za

LIVE ARTS LITTLE THEATRE PLAY FESTIVAL - 2-10 OCTOBER

The LALT Play festival is a brand new annual event held this year for the first time by Live Arts Little Theatre from Friday, October 2nd, 2015 - Saturday, October 10th, 2015. This is wonderful showcase of modern theatre where both young and experienced actors, comedians and abstract performers have the opportunity to showcase their work to a welcoming audience. A total of 10 shows have been selected for the first annual festival which is a first for the East Rand as there has never been a similar festival in the history of the town! Each Play wil show between two and four times and the wide variety of shows promises to keep audiences of all walks of life entertained. On October the 2nd the first play PANDORA SE BOKS with seasoned theatre and TV actor, David Louw, will take the stage at 20:00 and all members of the public are invited to this special performance! The official media opening will take place on Saturday October 3rd - An evening of media, festival and entertainment presented by young upcoming actress, Roelien Prinsloo. The official opening play, ONTHOU by Duan Craffert walked away with this year's Woordfees best production prize. ONTHOU will be on the LALT stage at 19:30 with Phillip Schnetler and Debré Rossouw as main characters, and will be followed by DINNER MET MY EX at 20:30.Want more info? The full list of scenes can be seen on the website www.lalt.co.za under the “toneelfees” link. Media are specially invited to the event and may conduct interviews with actors as long as it is pre-arranged. On request we can send a list of shows that you would like to get media accreditation for. Tickets are sold to the public from 14 September 2015, and members of the public who attend more than five productions get the 5th one free. With great excitement building, this is definitely not something you want to miss!​For Enquiries or more information please send us an email to liveartstheatre@gmail.com

BLAME IT ON BOLLYWOOD - TEATRO AT MONTE, OCTOBER

Take a night off, spoil yourself, and Blame it on Bollywood. As the smash Bollywood hit show comes to South Africa, Montecasino is offering some super packages.The highly anticipated production Blame it on Bollywood will be in Gauteng in October for seven performances only, starting October 6th at The Teatro at Montecasino, in Johannesburg.If you thought there was madness surrounding a big fat Indian wedding, you haven’t seen these deals. Take that special someone for a stunning night out and away. Have dinner, watch the show, stay over and have breakfast. The latest hospitality packages will see two people stay at the Palazzo for R4085, Montecasino’s Southern Sun for R3510 or at Sunsquare for R2425.For a seamless function entertaining groups of clients or guests of 20 or more treat them to a hospitality package. A theatre ticket and buffet dinner at the upmarket family restaurant Billy G will cost just R520. For a grand package - a theatre ticket and two-course meal or cocktail menu - pay just R620 per person. If you really want to make it special night out a top-price theatre ticket for a group of 20 or more, three-course or luxury cocktail menu and undercover parking will cost just R790 per person. If you want to go all out, the platinum package for groups of 60 or more is definitely the deal for you - a top-price theatre ticket, canapés in a private venue and under cover parking all for R1000 per person.The advent of glitzy and glamorous Bollywood films has turned India’s wedding scene into a rip-roaring trade, which is the theme for well-known theatre, film and advert personalities Bharat Dabholkar (writer and director) and Ashvin Gidwani’s (producer) production of Blame it on Bollywood -a story about the Elaborate Indian Wedding.A talented and star-studded Indian cast brings this humorous story about love, marriage and family to life. The leading man, Anant Mahadevan (acclaimed film and theatre actor) and actress Jayati Bhatia (famous television personality and theatre performer), as parents of bride-to-be Anchal Sabharwal, deliver energetic performances, while Neil Gagdani provides a good dose of comedy as the bride’s nerdy brother.What makes a brilliant Bollywood spectacular is the song and dance, and in this instance two of India’s finest – choreographer Hormuzd Khambata and music director Louiz Banks (renowned jazz and fusion musician) end their expertise to the production.Blame it on Bollywood will be staged at The Teatro at Montecasino from 6 October until 11 October at 8pm, with an matinee show on Saturday, 10 October, at 3pm, and on Sunday, 11 October, at 2pm and at 6pm.

VODACOM IN THE CITY - ZOO LAKE, 4 OCTOBER

Vodacom In The City is back to bring the city yet another epic music experience! Vodacom and Seed Experiences are excited to announce that Brit-pop, millennial rockers The Kooks will be joining the international line-up that includes the sensational German Duo Milky Chance and one of the world’s best festival bands, Australia’s The Cat Empire - with more acts to be announced soon.The celebrated ‘Kooks’ graced our beautiful shores in 2013 as part of an exclusive brand campaign to the select few who were lucky enough to get tickets - and was met with rave reviews and lots of fans distraught who missed out.This year Vodacom In The City will feature some important enhancements and changes, all guaranteed to make the music festival experience even more awesome for current and new fans. The festival is moving from Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown to the iconic Zoo Lake, just outside the city centre. Goodbye Friday night, hello sunny Sunday! Vodacom In The City moves to Sunday 4 October, creating for the first time in its four years a full-day, day-time festival celebrating one of Joburg’s top green spaces. The festival will now be longer too, starting at 10h00 and ending at 18h00, which means more hours of the best international and local music. And another first – fans of all ages are welcome, making it a family-friendly day out.Get your tickets now HERE Tickets priced at R495.

RUSSELL BRAND, TREW WORLD ORDER - JOZI&CT 1/2/3 OCTOBER

Superstar comedian, actor and author Russell Brand will be in South Africa this October for three shows only as part of his “Trew World Order” Tour presented by Showtime Management in association with Phil McIntyre Entertainment with 94.7 presenting the two Johannesburg shows at the Teatro at Montecasino on Thursday, 01 October 2015, with a second show on Friday, 02 October 2015. Brand then takes to stage at the Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town on Saturday, 03 October 2015 for one show only. All shows begin at 8pm. Hashtag: #TrewTourSA“We are pleased to announce that Russell Brand will be in South Africa this October for what is going to be an exciting and interesting tour” says local promoter, Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. Bookings for the Trew World Order SA Tour open to the public on Thursday, 11 June 2015 at Computicket.“Yes, That’s right. We are all individuals,” says Brand. “We’ve been told freedom is the freedom to fulfill our petty desires but TREW freedom is freedom FROM our petty desires. After a life of individualism and showing off, Hollywood, ruining broadcasting corporations and elections, Russell Brand has decided the only way to change the world is to be a part of the crowd. Collectively, as a crowd, a horde, a mob we can change the world.JOHANNESBURGVenue: Teatro at MontecasinoDates & time: Thursday, 01 October 2015 at 8pm, Friday, 02 October 2015 at 8pm Ticket prices: R 350, R450, R550, R650CAPE TOWNVenue: Grand Arena, GrandWestDates & time: Saturday, 03 October 2015 @ 8pm Ticket prices: Floor: R600, Rectractables: R475Book now for Russell Brand, Trew World Order at COMPUTICKET

MAKING MANDELA - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, 14 SEPTEMBER-3 OCTOBER

Sandton’s Auto & General Theatre on the Square is proud to present another unique and innovative production by Jenine Collocott, acclaimed member of the team that created “The Snow Goose”. The new, captivating production,MAKING MANDELA is the story of what influenced the rural boy to become the global legend. The production is imaginative journey through the childhood of Nelson Mandela featuring colourful characters, vividly portrayed in beautiful masks, with physical performances supported by emotive sound design and theatrical styling.The play is written by Nick Warren and Jenine Collocott. It is also directed and designed by Jenine Collocott with sceneography construction by Duncan Gibbon and sound design by Peter Cornell. It was originally produced by KBT and Hello Elephant. Recently, the production enjoyed sell out seasons at both the S.A. State Theatre in Pretoria and at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. MAKING MANDELA will make its Johannesburg debut on the 14th September for a two week run at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square at Nelson Mandela Square.1918 marks the birth of Rolihlahla Madiba Mandela as well as the Afrikaner Broederbond. MAKING MANDELA tells the story of two opposing forces with different upbringings, natures, backgrounds and intentions developed in parallel and destined to one day confront each other in a battle for the ultimate freedom of South Africa for all South Africans.Bookings can be made by calling Strictly Tickets on tel. 082 553 5901 or on-line: www.strictlytickets.com call the theatre’s box office on tel. 011 883-8606. Corporate and school groups are encouraged to book early. Enquire about discounts for group bookings and special offers on Tuesdays.

AN AUDIENCE WITH PIETER DIRK EISH - MONTE THEATRE, 8 SEP-4 OCT

As he prepares to turn 70 in sensational style this September, satirist extraordinaire Pieter-Dirk Uys is placing the power squarely in Johannesburg audiences’ hands. Now, if only the politicians he lampoons so mercilessly would follow suit...Uys’s smash hit show An Audience with Pieter-Dirk Eish! returns by massive public demand to invade the main stage of Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre in Fourways from 8 September to 4 October 2015, celebrating more than three decades of theatrical mirth, mayhem, moegoes and make-up. But this show has a special twist. Over the years Uys has created more than 80 different characters, from politicians to kugels, icons to aikonas, and will draw from this rogues’ gallery in laying out 15 numbered mystery boxes on stage, each containing a different character from his vast satirical cluster. The audience will choose which boxes to open, and thereby which characters this veteran entertainer and social commentator will slip into – each providing a telling glimpse of who we are, where we come from and where we are going as a nation. No two shows will ever be alike, making for an anything-goes lucky dip of laugh-out-loud observational humour.Uys will be turning 70 on 28 September 2015 – in the middle of the Johannesburg return season of An Audience with Pieter-Dirk Eish! Yet, with some 35 one-man shows and in the region of 7 000 stage appearances under his belt, not to mention several plays, books, films and local and international awards, he has no desire to slow down.He says: “If 70 feels this good, I’m looking forward to the next 10-plus years on the stages and screens of South Africa!”Performances of An Audience with Pieter-Dirk Eish! are on Tuesdays to Fridays at 20h00, with shows at 17h00 and 20h00 on Saturdays, and on Sundays at 15h00. WIN tickets now!

BURN THE FLOOR - JOBURG THEATRE, 16 SEPTEMBER-4 OCTOBER

The true rebels of ballroom “Burn the Floor” are heading back to Joburg with a stunning new production. Audiences will be thrilled with the news that Strictly Come Dancing runner up, JOHANNES RADEBE, will be joining the cast as a fully-fledged part of this international dance sensation. Burn The Floor – “Fire in the Ballroom” will run on the Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein for a limited season from September 16th to October 3rd.Crafted over the past two years by groundbreaking choreographers Jason Gilkison and Peta Roby, the hit dance sensation is currently performing to rapturous European and American audiences.Burn the Floor’s Executive Producer Nic Notley says, “The new show is totally different than our last production that came to Joburg, and will blow the roof off the theatre! It has the same rebellious spirit, though more daring with a more theatrical rock angle – we have also designed a new set, new costumes and new music including Santana, Janis Joplin, Christina Aguilera and Led Zeppelin. Don’t think twice about returning to see the show – it will be a great night out, I promise!”Burn the Floor has the reputation of being the “worlds toughest dance show” and the dancers are handpicked to embrace a new Latin American feel. The producers are delighted to have a South African performing on the world tour.Johannes Radebe, along with his Strictly Come Dancing celebrity partner Leigh-Anne Williams, have had the South African television viewing public on the edge of their seats each week with their deft dance moves and crept into everyone’s hearts as a firm favourite, right up until their were declared runners-up in the recent final held on Friday August 7th.Burn The Floor – “Fire in the Ballroom” will run on The Mandela stage at Joburg Theatre from September 16th to October 3rd. Performances are from Tuesdays to Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm.Tickets for performances from Tuesdays to Thursdays, and weekend matinee performances are from R100 to R350.Tickets for performances on Friday and Saturday evenings are from R150 to R400.These are exclusively available from www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling 0861 670 670.

THE IMAGINED LAND - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, 17 AUGUST-12 SEPTEMBER

Daphne Kuhn is proud to present a new South African play by CRAIG HIGGINSON, fresh from the National Arts Festival, Grahamstown where it received rave reviews The plot revolves around famous Zimbabwean novelist is about to undergo brain surgery. Her daughter, a literary critic studying in America, is coming home to Johannesburg to take care of her.A young biographer – also originally from Zimbabwe – arrives at the front door, requesting to write the biography of the woman who changed the course of his life.Craig Higginson, the writer of Dream of the Dog and The Girl in the Yellow Dress, returns with a new state of the nation play for our troubled, troubling times.How do we represent ourselves through narrative? How do we represent each other?Is it true, as Oscar Wilde claimed, that all criticism is a form of autobiography?This gripping, witty, sexy, heady drama draws on echoes from the lives of Doris Lessing and Nadine Gordimer. It takes a look at relationships and soon evolves into timely meditation on some of the central dilemmas of our time.Directed by former Artistic Director of the Market Theatre, Malcolm Purkey, this production features a dynamic cast including the legendary Fiona Ramsay as Bronwynand the newest, brightest stars in our theatre scene Nat Ramabulana (Edward)and Janna Ramos-Violante (Emily).Bookings can be made by calling the theatre’s box-office on tel. 011 883-8606,via Strictly Tickets on tel. 082 553 5901 or on-line: www.strictlytickets.comEnquire about group discounts for schools, book clubs, special interest groups, dinner/ show packages and Tuesday specials.

FROM THE FOOTLIGHTS - THE TEATRO, MONTECASINO, 18 & 19 SEPTEMBER

Jonathan Roxmouth, the multi-award winning star of local theatre will perform three concerts entitled FROM THE FOOTLIGHTS, featuring a variety of hits from internationally acclaimed Broadway and West End musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Jesus Christ Superstar. The concerts take place at the Teatro at Montecasino on Friday 18 September and Saturday 19 September 2015, both commencing at 8pm and Sunday 20 September at 2pm. Tickets are on sale at Computicket.Joining Roxmouth on the Teatro stage and sharing a few musical surprises are some of his favourite artists who have made their mark on the musical theatre scene. Guest stars include Afrikaans “Kaapse Draai” singer and recording artist, Nádine; actress, singer and musician, Lindiwe Bungane; TV, stage and movie actress and comedienne, Tracey Lee Oliver;and actor, singer and recording artist, Harry Sideropoulos. Roxmouth and his guest artists will be accompanied by an 18-piece Broadway big band under the baton of award-winning conductor and arranger, Bryan Schimmel (Chicago, We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys) who is also the arranger and co-producer of Roxmouth’s new album.Concert-goers are sure to be enthralled by the repertoire of From the Footlights which is resplendent with songs by the greatest composers in musical theatre history including Andrew Lloyd Webber (Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar), Stephen Sondheim (Sweeney Todd, Company, Into the Woods), Kander & Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret) and Jule Styne (Funny Girl, Gypsy); as well as some of the more contemporary composers like Jason Robert Brown (Songs For a New World, The Last Five Years), Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll and Hyde) and Marc Shaiman (Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can and the TV Series Smash). The arrangements of these songs have been custom written for Jonathan Roxmouth to flex his vocal versatility and virtuosity to the max. These songs are also featured on Roxmouth’s latest album (released earlier this year) by the same name.The concerts will be staged at the Teatro at Montecasino on Friday 18 September and Saturday 19 September 2015, both commencing at 8pm and Sunday 20 September at 2pm. Tickets available from R240-R300 from COMPUTICKETShowbiz In Full HD chatted to Jonathan about his passion and his music, watch the interview HERE

Photo~Shaun Smith

DON QUIXOTE - JOBURG THEATRE, 28 AUGUST-13 SEPTEMBER

Following Joburg Ballet’s spectacular Swan Lake in April and May, the ballet company’s Spring Season opens at the Joburg Theatre on Friday 28 August with the sparkling ballet classic, Don Quixote. A further eight performances of Don Quixote follow, with the season ending on Sunday 13 September. Also scheduled for the Spring Season is Celebration 7, a showcase of classical and new ballets, and Gauteng Opera’s Double Bill.Set in bustling Barcelona, Don Quixote tells the story of vivacious Kitri and her love for Basilio, a poor young barber. But Kitri’s father has more ambitious marriage plans for his daughter, with the comedy unfolding in a cascade of dazzling classical ballet culminating in the famous Don Quixote Pas de Deux and a happy-ever-after ending as all dance into the Spanish sunset.Don Quixote is being taught to the dancers of Joburg Ballet by Liane Lurie, acclaimed former ballerina and now a respected ballet teacher. During her dancing career, Ms Lurie performed the ballerina role of Kitri on many occasions, including in the legendary Rudolf Nureyev production of Don Quixote for PACT Ballet and Veronica Paeper’s production for CAPAB Ballet during the 1980s. The current production is Ms Lurie’s first engagement with Joburg Ballet.The casting for Joburg Ballet’s upcoming season of Don Quixote features the company’s stars as well as visiting stars Cuban-born Jonhal Fernandez, principal dancer with the National Ballet of Ecuador, and Australian-born international guest artist, Aaron Smyth.DON QUIXOTE runs at the Joburg Theatre from - Fri 28 Aug 19:30; Sat 29 Aug 15:00; Sun 30 Aug 15:00; Tue 1 Sept 11:00; Sat 5 Sept 15:00; Sun 6 Sept 15:00; Fri 11 Sept 19:30; Sat 12 Sept 15:00; Sun 13 Sept 15:00TICKETS: R100 – R400, BOOKING: At Joburg Theatre; on 0861 670 670; at www.joburgtheatre.com

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER - TEATRO, MONTE 3-13 SEPTEMBER

The highly acclaimed New York-based Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world’s most popular global dance companies, is planning an historic return to South Africa in September after 17 years with a robust schedule of 20 performances and a variety of educational activities for area students.The first visit to this continent led by Artistic Director Robert Battle includes a 13-performance engagement in Johannesburg at the Teatro at Montecasino from Thursday, 3 September to Sunday, 13 September 2015 and seven shows in Cape Town at Artscape, from 16 to 20 September 2015. Presented by leading local promoters Showtime Management together with Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, the visit is made possible by lead sponsor Bloomberg Philanthropies with major support from the Ford Foundation and assistance from travel and freight partners South African Airways and South African Airways Cargo. There are two alternating programmes of approximately 2 hours each, both ending with Alvin Ailey’s Revelations, an American masterpiece set to spirituals that is acclaimed as a must-see for all. Alvin Ailey’s signature piece is a tribute to his heritage and a testament to his genius, exploring places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.Exodus, a highly anticipated season world premiere by bold hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris, will be performed to a soul-lifting score of gospel house music. Rennie (Lorenzo) Harris has been known to mix Shakespeare with hip hop, poetry, rap music and movement and is a pioneer in performing, choreographing, teaching and revolutionizing contemporary concert dance by introducing the African-American dance form hip hop to a worldwide audience.In Polish Pieces, Dutch choreographer Hans van Manen displays his mastery for building dazzling creations from simple motifs and geometric patterns. Driven by the rhythms of Henryk Górecki’s score, the 12 dancers in this colorful ensemble work create a brilliant kaleidoscope through endlessly shifting formations that culminate in two sensual pas de deux.Christopher Wheeldon’s dreamlike After the Rain Pas de Deux – praised for its sublime simplicity and intricate partnering – was an instant hit on New York City Ballet in 2005. Set to music by the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, the sensual male-female pas de deux will be revealed in a fresh light as the Ailey dancers make it their own.Other works to be performed include repertory favorites Night Creature,Alvin Ailey’s homage to the musical genius of eminent American composer Duke Ellington; the spiritually-charged workGraceby celebratedchoreographer Ronald K. Brown; and Battle’s own high-flying and humorous solo, Takademe.SHOW DATES AND TIMES: Thursday, 3 September to Sunday, 13 September 2015, No shows on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesday to Friday – 8pm , Saturdays – 2:pm and 8pm, Sundays – 1:30pm and 6:30pmTICKET PRICES:Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 6:30pm - R100 to R490Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday 1:30 pm matinee – R100 to R590 per person inclusive. Tickets are on sale at Computicket.Pictured here, YANNICK LEBRUN and GLEN ALLEN SIMS in Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Photo by Andrew Eccles.

CINCINATTI - MARKET THEATRE, 19 AUGUST-13 SEPTEMBER

The Market Theatre is celebrating and remembering one of its founding members, world renowned playwright Barney Simon, by restaging his production Cincinatti - Scenes from City Life from 19 August to 13 September 2015. Barney Simon’s passion was to encourage young theatre makers and discover new talent, and fittingly, The Market Theatre and Windybrow Theatre invited young director Clive Mathibe to direct his play. Talented Mathibe is being mentored by industry veteran Vanessa Cooke, and has been selected to be part of a two-month mentorship programme in Toronto, Canada run by the Canadian Stage in conjunction with the National Arts Council. Cincinatti was created through improvisation by The Company at The Market Theatre under the direction of Barney Simon in 1979. The play explores the lives of nine very different and culturally diverse characters with one thing in common - ClubSin Sin. The characters are passionate about ClubSin Sin because it was one of the few clubs in Johannesburg where people of all racial, social and educational backgrounds could party together during the height of apartheid. It provided a rare outlet for their freedom of expression during the harsh and inhumane laws of South Africa in the 1970s. "Cincinatti" stars Brandon Auret, Odelle De Wet, Ameera Patel, Brenda Ngxoli and more.Season: 19 August – 13 September Venue:The Laager Theatre Performance times:Tuesdays to Saturdays @ 20h15 and Sundays @ 15h15 NB: Tickets cost R90.00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!

THE FULL MORTY - THE FRINGE @JOBURGTHEATRE, 4-23 AUGUST

Join critically acclaimed theatre actor, TV actor, madly talented vocalist and professional k*k talker Mortimer in unchartered territory which fascinates us all… the mind of the South African male. Stand up comedy meets cabaret in this hilarious show as Morty takes us through stories and songs which demonstrate just what it is that makes the SA male tick… with a few surprises along the way!From testosterone to toilet time this one man adventure has it all! Morty will reveal all… literally and figuratively as you join him in doing the Full Morty… although it might not be the way you think!Morty is the perfect combination of talent, charisma and devilish naughtiness to provide the perfect evening of entertainment for guys and girls of all ages.The Full Morty is directed by Kristy Suttner and runs at the Joburg Theatre from 4-23 August. Book HERE

THE VORTEX, CT CITY BALLET - MONTE THEATRE, 12-23 AUGUST

Pieter Toerien is proud to present Cape Town City Ballet in MARC GOLDBERG’s dance adaptation of Noël Cowards controversial play 'The Vortex'.The ballet explores themes of drug addiction in 1920's high society; adultery; aging and dysfunctional family dynamics over the course of a weekend in the country home of David and Florence Lancaster. We follow Florence through the return of her son Nicky and his new fiancé Bunty from Paris, and the gradual understanding that Nicky is harbouring a dark secret. Florence's obsession with youth and beauty is displayed in her constant affairs with much younger men. Her current lover is the dashing Tom, a past school friend of her sons but he is proving to be a greater challenge than anticipated. Tensions boil and culminate in an explosion that irrevocably changes the lives of those involved. Musically we experience the unspoken tensions by the use of juxtaposing composers. Noël Coward’s live recordings of hits like 'Poor Little Rich Girl', 'I Went to a Marvelous Party' and 'Mad about the Boy' are combined with Mexican electronic composer Murcof's very atmospheric and sophisticated style. A varied and sometimes chilling canvas of the human perspective is created while working within the frame of Mr Coward’s glamour, frivolity and opulence of the era. Performances: Wed – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 4pm & 8pm, Sun @ 3pm & 6pmTickets: R250, R200, R150 & R100Bookings: Theatre Box Office (011) 511 1818 or at Computicket.com

COMIC'S CHOISE AWARDS - TEATRO THEATRE, MONTE, WINNERS

Amidst much hooting, cheering and hilarity at Teatro Montecasino last night, eight South African comics walked away with the most prestigious award the local comedy industry has to offer – a beautifully crafted Waldo statuette. Waldo, like the winners, represent the very top of the industry as voted for by the country’s comics themselves.Directed by much-loved funny man, Alan Committee, the show was a brilliant, slick blend of satire, music, sketch and, of course, stand-up comedy by all the winners who were present. Waldo certainly celebrated his 5th birthday in style, with Marc Lottering, Tamara Dey, Tracey-Lee Olivier and many others providing superb entertainment at what has become Africa’s biggest comedy awards. Even the almost mythical Trevor Noah put in an appearance, even if it was in the form of a world-class video sketch by puppet-masters, ZANews. Title sponsor Savanna was on hand to make sure the now-famous yellow carpet carried celebrities, sports stars, socialites and hundreds of eager comedians into the Teatro for the years most glamorous and hilarious awards event.The winners who were present had the audience in stitches, in between outrageous sketches by comedians, who poked fun at government, the industry and each other.Many agree it was only a matter of time until much-loved new comic, Yaaseen Barnes, walked away with a Waldo, while a previous recipient in the Newcomer category, Schalk Bezuidenhout continues to impress, taking home the award for Intermediate comic.The audience shared in a touching moment when Ndumiso Lindi handed Joe Mafela his Lifetime Achiever award, and to hear the great man’s humility and love for his craft as he recalled stories from decades ago was heartwarming.The crowd went postal at the news that the first ever “Non-English Award” was bestowed on Mashabela Galane, a trail-blazer in the vernacular comedy world. More cheers ensued for Chris Steenkamp who was finally recognised for his wonderful writing and received the Comic’s Pen award.The Audience Choice Award is the only category in which the public is allowed to vote – and they overwhelmingly chose Khanyisa Bunu, who proved why she keeps fans in stiches.Another new award, The Best Friend of Comedy was created as Waldo’s birthday present to the industry and awarded to Goliath & Goliath, for their contribution to local comedy in a non-performance role.The man of the hour had to be Trevor Noah, who continuously resets the realms of professional possibility, and once again scooped the Comic of the Year award, and also the brand new Flying Solo Award, which recognises a brilliant one man/woman show.The best awards show deserved the perfect end. As a special birthday treat, this year the public were invited to the official after party to get down with Kaya FM 95.9 DJ’s, lots of Savanna and the largest group of comedians to ever gather in one place… oh, what a night!

GEORGE EZRA - CARNIVAL CITY, 30 AUGUST 2015

One of music’s biggest breakthrough artists, 21-year-old George Ezra will be touring South Africa at the end of August 2015. With his boyish looks, signature soulful and deep voice, George Ezra has gone from being a relatively unknown artist to a global music phenomenon in 2014. With a top 10 single in 11 countries and his #1 Album, Wanted on Voyage, already basking in world-wide success, Ezra has been marking a trail of sold out shows across the globe.George (or “Geoff” as he is known to some of his bigger fans) was nominated for four prestigious Brit Awards, including Best Male Artist and Best British Album in 2014 and his debut album, Wanted on Voyage, has since gone double platinum in the UK and both its lead singles, “Budapest” and “Blame It On Me”, charted in the top 10. Seed Experiences and 5fm are proud to announce that Beatenberg, Freshlyground, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Hot Water and BCUC have all been confirmed for various cities to support the unassuming, folk singer behind hits like “Budapest” and “Blame It On Me” during his SA Tour.For the Durban show at the Durban Shongweni Polo Club on the 28th of August and the Cape Town show at Durbanville Racecourse on the 29th of August, Beatenberg, Hot Water and Bongeziwe Mabandla will complete the line-up. For the Johannesburg concert on the 30th of August on the Festival Lawns at Carnival City, Freshlyground, BCUC and Bongeziwe Mabandla have been added to the mix to support George (or “Geoff” as he is known to his fans) during his set.George Ezra will be performing live at the Durban Shongweni Polo Club on the 28th of August, at Durbanville Racecourse in Cape Town on the 29th of August and outdoors at Carnival City in Johannesburg on the 30th of August.Tickets on sale through the ticket office at www.weareseed.co.za from R575-R865.Win a double ticket for CT, Durban or Jozi, enter NOW

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES - MONTECASINO, 22&23 AUG

Beautiful Creatures in association with Montecasino are excited to announce that 3 of their favourite characters will be performing free interactive sing along shows on the Montecasino Outdoor Piazza Stage on the following weekends in June, July and August 2015.The 20 minute shows will feature some of Beautiful Creatures best loved songs, including Imvubu the Happiest Hippo, Lucas the Lazy Lion, Harry the hungry Hadeda and Mafutha the Elephant.Beautiful Creatures is a parent friendly South African children’s brand, formed in 2004, by Alan Glass, Ed Jordan and Paul Choritz. They have released 7 CD’s and 3 books, and have achieved platinum and gold album sales in SA.Their 4th book Harry the Hungry Hadeda will be released in June 2015Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August ~ Times: 11h00, 13h00, 15h00For more info please go to the Beautiful Creatures websitewww.beautifulcreatures.co.zaFacebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/BeautifulCreatures?fref=tsor follow us on Twitter@Creatures2015

MASS HYSTERIA - TEATRO THEATRE, MONTECASINO, 19-23 AUGUST

This year has been witness to the most extraordinary scenes of Parliamentary disorder ever, with fists flying, insults exchanged, mass walkouts and the deployment of SWAT teams in the House. Never before have overalls and berets been at the heart of potential darkness. The nation was astounded that not even load shedding could stop light from being cast on the shenanigans of our elected politicians.They have accepted bribes, employed inept family and pick-pocketed the taxpayer as he waited for SAPS to pick up the phone. Have we, the people, unwittingly jumped from a frying pan into the fire?What is the solution? Where will we find relief? Who can we look to for answers?Nando’s is committed to keeping the heat on those responsible, and even though they don’t profess to have all the answers, they sure know how to turn on the burn.Johannesburg show dates and line-up:Nik Rabinowitz: Minister of Shark Infested Water AffairsChester Missing: Shadow Puppet MinisterTumi Morake: Minister of Ben 10’s, YOLO and HomesteadsMpho Popps Modikoane: Minister of Television and Gratuitous AdvertsJohn Vlismas: Minister of Non-Communicative DiseasesAnd for the first time in years…Marc Lottering as Minister of the Cape, Retail Therapy and StatuesTeatro, Montecasino19 August – 23 August 2015

BRUCE & FRESK - LIVE @THE BIG APPLE,PROTEA HOTEL 28TH AUGUST

LIVE @ THE BIG APPLE returns to Protea Hotel Wanderers on Friday 28 August with BRUCE AND FRESK to entertain the patrons from 5 – 9pm on the hotel’s Pool Deck.After a highly successful launch of this new entertainment concept held in June, this will be the first of the public evenings to take place every second month, on the last Friday of that month.Live @ The Big Apple will take place on Friday 28 August from 5 – 9pm.At just R200 per person if paid in advance, or R230 per person if paid at the door, guests will enjoy Cognac, high-end brandies and wines for the duration of the evening. These will be coupled with a mouth-watering 3-course gourmet snack menu to complement these brands.Live entertainment will be provided by the jazz duo, BRUCE AND FRESK, to totally round off an evening of pure style and jazzy sophistication.Bruce and Fresk consists of Cameron Bruce, singer and guitarist of Idols fame whose debut album featured two singles,“I Didn’t Mean to Come Around”and“When the Heart Hurts”which have enjoyed heavy play time on several radio stations and John Fresk, American pianist and Yamaha artist who has played with such artists as Bobby McFerrin, gospel singer Howard MccRary, Meri Wilson and many others. Their combined efforts as a duo are a tour de force of soul and expertise.For more information, check out http://bruceandfresk.co.za/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rxbfjyy018

SISTER ACT - JOBURG THEATRE, 14 JULY-16 AUGUST

Bernard Jay, Executive Producer at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, announces the South African première production of the feel-amazing musical comedy SISTER ACT.SISTER ACT will open on the stage of The Mandela at Joburg Theatre on July 14th and run until August 16th 2015.“As a theatre producer, you see musicals in the West End and on Broadway and you come out saying ‘We must to do that in South Africa’” says Jay. Then so often the production rights for this part of the world are not yet available, or one of our competitors in the industry already has them locked up. So you keep trying. And when you ‘hit lucky’ it’s like New Year’s Eve! Ever since seeing SISTER ACT at the London Palladium in 2009, I’ve been aching to do a South African production. I believe that our audiences will adore it.”SISTER ACT is based on the top-grossing 1992 movie comedy starring Whoopi Goldberg with the musical written by Cheri and Bill Steinkellner.Multi-award-winning South African director and writer Janice Honeyman is on board to direct SISTER ACT. Bernard Jay and Janice Honeyman have successfully collaborated many times at Joburg Theatre, including fourteen spectacular annual pantomime productions since 2000 and the ‘non-replica’ stage productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Boys in the Photograph in 2010 and Starlight Express in 2013.“No-one in South Africa has proven herself to be in finer creative control of ‘non-replica’ mega-musical productions than Janice. No-one knows the magic possibilities of The Mandela stage like Janice. And there is no-one I love working with so much - we have such fun together,” says Jay. “I’m just so thrilled that she said yes and loves the show too!” Candida Mosoma takes the lead role with Kat Normington in the role of Mother Superior.The other members of the creative team and the casting behind South Africa’s stage première of SISTER ACT are yet to be announced.Book NOW show runs from 14 July - 16 August.

DOUBT:A PARABLE - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, 28 JULY-16 AUGUST

Daphne Kuhn proudly presents a theatre experience not to be missed! Previewing from the 28th July, the provocative international play by John Patrick Shanley, DOUBT: A PARABLE, will be presented for first time in Gauteng. The production will feature some of South Africa’s most prestigious actors, FIONA RAMSAY, JANNA RAMOS-VIOLANTE, MWENYA KABWE, JAMES MAC EWAN (who returns from Los Angeles). It is directed by award-winning actor, director and theatre maker, JAMES CUNINGHAM.The plot is based on a few circumstantial details and a lot of intuition, set in 1964 in theSt. Nicholas Church School in the Bronx. The ultra-stern Sister Aloysius Beauvier believes that a priest has done something terribly inappropriate to one of the students - a 12-year-old altar boy named Donald Muller, the school's only African American student. She recruits a young, naive nun (Sister James) to assist her in monitoring the suspicious yet charismatic Father Flynn. DOUBT is a provocative and gripping story of suspicion and suspense! It will leave audiences spellbound and questioning.Tickets bookings can be made by calling the theatre’s box-office on tel. 011 883-8606,via Strictly Tickets on tel. 082 553 5901 or online:www.strictlytickets.comEnquire about special discounts and groups booking arrangements. It is a must for all school and church groups. Miss it at your peril!For more info or interviews please contact Daphne or Mika on 011 883-8606

LORD OF THE DANCE:DANGEROUS GAMES - MONTE TEATRO TIL 9 AUGUST

LORD OF THE DANCE: DANGEROUS GAMES is a spectacular new staging of the traditional masterpiece – comes to Johannesburg from 14 July 2015 for a limited 4 week run at Montecasino, presented by RSG and M-Net. Another Big Concerts Experience. With all the visceral precision and thrills of the original, Lord Of The Dance: Dangerous Gamesfeatures new staging including Holo-Gauze™ screen technology; displaying holographic-effect projections, new costumes and choreography. With 40 of the world’s most outstanding young performers directed by Michael Flatley, and new music by composer Gerard Fahy, this latest iteration combines the best of tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance.During the first two weeks of the run, Michael Flatley will make a special guest appearance in shows from 14 July 2015 – 26 July 2015, giving fans the opportunity to see him perform in South Africa for the last time. With 200 plus dates planned across 15 countries over the next 18 months, Lord Of The Dance: Dangerous Games has just completed a sold-out run at legendary venue the London Palladium and due to popular demand will transfer to the West End’s Dominion Theatre next year for a six month run, opening on 9 March 2015. Lord Of The Dance: Dangerous Games is choreographed and directed by Michael Flatley and stars James Keegan, Morgan Comer and Mathew Smith as the Lords Of The Dance.

ALWAYS AND FOREVER - THE LYRIC THEATRE, GOLD REEF CITY 14 AUGUST

Luther Vandross – better known as the king of croon - will be celebrated in Always & Forever – A Tribute to Luther Vandross by South Africa's own "man with the velvet voice" Timothy Moloi in this one-night-only show to be staged at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, on Friday 14 August at 8pm.Backed by some of South Africa's best live musicians as well as vocalists Nonhlanhla Mdluli, Kurt Herman and Tia Herman andintroducing Voices Unlimited Gospel Choir, the audience will thrill to the portrayal of unforgettable hits including Superstar, Always and Forever, Endless Love, Power of Love/Love Power, Dance with My Fatherand many more. Musical Director is star-on-the-rise Llewellyn George and Direction & Lighting Design is by Cito.Says Moloi; “I have long wanted to have the platform to pay tribute to Luther Vandross as I have admired him and been inspired by him for as long back as I can remember. I felt so humbled when I approached The CoLab Network with the idea and Collett immediately agreed and before I knew it, the show was booked!”Always & Forever – A Tribute to Luther Vandross is on for one night only at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Friday 14 August at 8pm.Tickets range from R140 - R195 and can be booked at www.goldreefcity.co.zaor by calling The Lyric Theatre Box Office on (011) 248 5000 or through Computicket.Discounts for groups of 10 or more, senior citizens, scholars and students apply.

SHREK THE MUSICAL - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, 13 JUNE-10 AUGUST

It's a "big bright beautiful world" for everyone's favorite ogre in ‘Shrek’ The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film. Adapted for the stage and featuring top professionals “Shrek Jr.” is due to capture new audiences in this dazzling adventure story.In a faraway kingdom, the green ogre Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits, runaways who've been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wise-cracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task - if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona from the Dragon-guarded tower, his swamp will be returned to him. But, a fairy tale wouldn't be complete without unexpected twists and turns along the way.Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, ‘Shrek JR’. is an irreverently fun show for the whole family. Imaginative sets, costumes and familiar characters that prove that beauty is in the eye of the ogre, “Shrek Jr.” is an energetic, heartwarming and hilarious show that you won’t want to miss.SHREK the musical is on from 13 June until 2nd August, book tickets HERE

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS - MONTE THEATRE, 12 JUNE-9 AUGUST

The all-star local cast is headed by Alan Committie as Seymour, the would-be botanist, and the inimitable Candice Van Litsenborgh as his ditzy love interest, Audrey. Michael Richard plays Mr Mushnik, Seymour's miserly employer.The production team is equally impressive: The show is directed by Steven Stead, with sets by Greg King and costumes by Terrence Bray. Musical Direction is by Evan Roberts and Shelley Maclean, choreography by Janine Bennewith and lighting by Tina Le Roux.The wacky story tells of a hapless New York florist's assistant in the seedy part of town who inadvertently rears an outspoken man-eating alien plant. The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film of the same name, written by Howard Ashman and directed by Roger Corman. The cult film starred Rick Moranis as a career-defining Seymour, Ellen Greene as Audrey and Steve Martin as the sadistic dentist. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS spoofs the tradition of B-grade Sci-Fi movies with a delicious pastiche of 50's music and comic-book imagery.Pieter Toerien produced the original South African production of Little Shop of Horrors in 1984, and local audiences fell in love with the man-eating plant Audrey II. Eddie Eckstein and Andre Hattingh starred in the lead roles. More recently, KickstArt’s Durban-based production won an amazing 9 Durban Theatre Awards – including BEST MUSICAL – in 2009. That award-winning creative team is back with the 2015 production.This show is set to stun! It runs at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre from 12 June to 9 August. Performances Tue – Fri @ 8pm, Sat @ 5pm & 8pm, Sun @ 3pm & 6pm. Tickets R325, R225, R125 & R100 from Theatre Box Office (011) 511 1988 and www.computicket.com

THE CRAFT BEER & WINE FAIR - HELDERFONTEIN ESTATE, 1 AUGUST

A first of its kind, theCraft Beer, Food and Wine Fair, is the perfect family day out in Jozi. This premium boutique Craft Fair combines craft beer, wine, gourmet food and Joburg’s hottest entertainment for the whole family. TheCraft Beer, Food and Wine Fairis the place to be on Saturday, 1 August at Helderfontein Estate 10am - 7pm. To avoid disappointment, book now throughwww.itickets.co.za.The Fair offers family friendly fun for the whole family including live entertainment and performances by CrashCarBurn, Kahn, Mobius Loop, Lisa Goldin,Verb,The Sextons, Lindsay McGuire to name a few.A secure kids area will include jumping castles, face painting, sand art, pony rides plus a playground and with over100unique vendors you can enjoy: Craft Beer tasting, Wine tasting, Picnic areas, Champagne and Oyster Lounge, Gourmet street & market food, Live entertainment all day – Main music stage and Busking stageThe After party will kick off at 7pm and end at midnight. Lady Lea, DJ Dizzy and DJ Delicious will be spinning the best of old school house.Ticket Prices: R150.00 - R950.00 Kids - R50.00VIP Package: R950.00 – includes VIP Bar,parking, toilets, welcome glass of bubbly, Wine cooler filled with wine and goodies, and bottomless Craft beer

BEN HOWARD - ZOO LAKE, 25 JULY, GRAND WEST, 22 & 23 JULY

One of music’s fastest rising stars, Ben Howard, is coming to perform live in South Africa for the first time. With sold-out shows across the globe and a whirlwind rise through the charts, famous songs include “The Wolves”, “Keep Your Head Up”, and more recently “I Forget Where We Were” Ben Howard is a firm favourite in SA too. Catch him live in Cape Town for two shows at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on 22 & 23 July 2015 and one night only in Johannesburg at Zoo Lake on the 25th of July 2015. With a killer Glastonbury set under his belt and only two weeks to go before his first ever South African Tour, double Brit Award winner and platinum selling artist, Ben Howard’s tour to our country just got even better with two incredible local support acts now confirmed. The one-time journalist, avid surfer and incredible musician will be joined on stage by Bye Beneco for both cities and Farryl Purkiss during his Johannesburg show. Book your tickets via www.weareseed.co.za or Webtickets.co.za today. Tickets cost R465WIN tickets HERE

JAzZIN' AROUND FOR SA GUIDE DOGS - THEATRE ON SQUARE, 10 AUGUST

Sandton’s Auto & General Theatre on the Square will be hosting two unmissable jazz concerts in aid of South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind, on Monday 10th August at 2.30 and 5.30.The fabulous South African singer/entertainer/pianist CAT SIMONI will be teaming up with some of South Africa’s most outstanding jazz musicians on Women’s Day. The shows will raise much needed funds for the S A Guide-Dogs Association. Cat will be accompanied by American pianist JOHN FRESK, GRAEME CURRIE on the double bass and ANTHONY YOKO on drums. It will be a programme filled with Cat’s unique renditions of jazz standards and popular musicals.For years, Cat Simoni was the resident lounge singer in some of London’s posh hotels like The Ritz, Dorchester and Mayfair where she met many illustrious characters and celebrated personalities in the world of entertainment. Because of her outstanding voice and terrific vocal range she has garnered the title of “the girl with the golden voice”. All this talent coupled with stories of her encounters with the rich and famous makes for an interesting show with a difference!All proceeds will go toward providing visually or physically impaired people with the gift of independence, mobility and companionship. S A Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind receives no government funding and relies solely on the goodwill of its supporters and initiatives like these, to raise much-needed funds.Tickets for these special fund-raising shows are on sale now at only R175.For bookings and information, call the theatre on: 011 883 8606 or book via Strictly Ticketson tel. 082 553 5901 or online: www.strictlytickets.com

DSTV KIDS XTRAVAGANZA - VODACOM WORLD, MIDRAND, 4-9 JULY

Children’s favourites The Teletubbies and Katy Ashworth from I Can Cook are the star attractions at the DStv Kids’ Xtravaganza, which takes place at Vodacom World in Midrand from July 4 to 9.Tellytubbyland – complete with Dipsy, Laa-Laa, Po and Tinky-Winky – comes to Johannesburg for holiday entertainment at its best for the entire family. The four popular characters from the CBeebies (DStv Channel 306) hit show will be keeping youngsters entertained during the holiday break followed by a fun session in the kitchen with I Can Cook’s Katy Ashworth. Katy Ashworth has become a household name around the world thanks to presenting CBeebies’ I Can Cook which welcomes children into the kitchen to create a host of delicious meals and snacks that are quick and easy to prepare even if the grown-ups don’t know their way around the kitchen.There will be three live hour-long stage shows every day followed by a 90-minute play session in the massive Fun Zone with a host of activities including face painting and gaming stations. There will also be fantastic products to buy.The DStv Kids’ Xtravaganza takes place from Saturday, July 4, to Thursday, July 9 at Vodacom World. Show times are at 09h00; 12h30 and 16h00 followed by 90 minutes in the Fun Zone. Tickets are available at R135 a person and include entrance to the live shows as well as the play time in the Fun Zone.Get your tickets now for this July’s best holiday entertainment at COMPUTICKETThe DStv Kids’ Xtravaganza is bought to Johannesburg courtesy of DStv, Vodacom World, Mitsubishi Motors and Jacaranda FM.﻿WIN TICKETS HERE﻿

A VERY SPECIAL SOLO EVENING WITH JOAN ARMATRADING - JULY 2015

Joan Armatrading has added South Africa to her 2014/2015 world tour and will be performing several shows in South Africa in July 2015 as part of her last ever world tour.Known as a true craftsman, her distinctive vocals and consummate musicianship, Joan Armatrading has released over 20 acclaimed albums, received three Grammy nominations, is a Brit Award nominee and has received the highly coveted Ivor Novello Award. Although she will continue to perform on occasion this will be the final major world tour. Joan says; “I will never retire but this will be the last major tour that I will undertake. For the first time these concerts will be me solo on stage playing the guitar, piano and singing. I want these concerts to be a special lively interactive one to one experience. I have absolutely enjoyed the last 42 years of performances but now, with my final major tour, I want to capture a unique memory for both myself and the audience.”Joan Armatrading in South Africa, July 3 - Cape Town ICC, July 6 - Hemingwayʼs – East London, July 7 – Durban ICC Arena , July 10 & 11 - The Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg .Tickets available through COMPUTICKET from R450-R650

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET'S CELEBRATE - FROM 26 JUNE-12 JULY 2015

Showtime Management and Feld Entertainment invite families to return once again for the all new ice extravaganza, Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate! featuring more than 50 classic and contemporary Disney characters in a captivating compilation of favorite holidays and celebrations from around the globe.Audiences will experience the ultimate celebration of celebrations as they join Mickey Mouse and friends on a delightful tour of festivities jam-packed with fun surprises, spectacular skating and vibrant costumes. The production’s original storyline transports audiences to exciting events with their favorite Disney characters, including a Valentine’s Day Royal Ball with Disney Princesses, including Tiana, Cinderella and Ariel; a Very Merry UnBirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter; Jack Skellington’s frightfully festive Halloween party with the Disney Villains; and a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch.Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate opens on Friday, 26 June 2015 at The Dome, Johannesburg and runs until Sunday, 05 July 2015. “New seating at this venue, especially installed for Let’s Celebrate ensures that Disney on Ice fans of all ages have a clear view of the ice and the wonderful characters,” says Tony Feldman of Showtime Management. Floor seats have been removed and the new configuration is made up of raked seating only to make Let’s Celebrate a wonderful experience for the whole family.The show then goes to GrandWest Arena, Cape Town for 10 shows only from Wednesday, 8 July 2015 to Sunday, 12 July 2015. Tickets are on sale now for both venues at COMPUTICKET from R150-R400 with special discounts available for group/family bookings.WIN tickets now!Photo courtesy Disney & Feld Entertainment.

OLIVER TWIST - NATIONAL CHILDREN'S THEATRE, 8 JUNE-19 JULY

A spellbinding adaptation for young audiences from the classic novel by Charles Dickens will be recreated at National Children’s Theatre from 08 June 2015. An early example of a social novel, it is the story of a young orphan’s quest to find home and family in Victorian London. This adaptation of Oliver Twist will not only entertain you, but also draw you into a timeless drama exposing the social inequalities of the times. In a fleeting 90 minutes you will follow the journey of Oliver Twist from an orphanage to Fagin’s Den where he meets the Artful Dodger, Nancy and other homeless boys and girls who make up Fagin’s gang. In the midst of child exploitation, corruption and degradation Oliver remains pure-hearted. He steers away from evil, and in proper fairy-tale fashion, and after many adventures, he eventually receives his award: landing up in the loving home of Mr Brownlow, surrounded by kind friends.The show is directed by Francois Theron, Musical Supervision by Rowan Bakker, Choreography by Nicol Sheraton, set adapted from the original design by Graham Brown, Lighting by Jane Gosnell and Wardrobe Coordinator by Chriselda Pillay. Meet the legendary characters in period costumes – Fagin(Luciano Zuppa), the young pickpocket Artful Dodger (Teekay Baloyi), a menacing professional burglar Bill Sykes (Ben Kgosimore), Mr. Brownlow (Schoeman Smit), Nancy (Kayli Elit Smith) and Monks & Policeman (Miles Petzer).Oliver Twist runs from 8 June- 19th JulyTicket prices: Four types of tickets: Tickets for chairs are R110 and tickets for cushions are R90.00. Pensioner’s over 65 tickets are R90.00 per person. Block Bookings tickets are R90.00 adults and R70.00 children. Tickets are on sale now, phone Claudy on 011 484 -1584/5 or email bookings@nctt.org.za . There is ample free safe parking available within the grounds. Note Booking is essential as we sometimes tour to schools.

ROMEO & JULIETTE - JOBURG THEATRE, 17-21 JUNE

Geneva Ballet makes its Johannesburg debutThe Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève directed by Philippe Cohen features 22 highly skilled and classically trained dancers from around the world. The company is highly regarded for excellence in variations of the classical ballet vernacular through its innovative artistic collaborations.Joëlle Bouvier, one of several guest choreographers invited by the Geneva Ballet to enrich its repertoire, has with this production of Roméo & Juliette, re-imagined Shakespeare’s classic tragedy as a contemporary piece, re-visiting the ballet in an inventive way. She has taken the essence of the story, its fundamental characteristics and choreographed around that rather than sticking strictly to the details of the play. She turns the sequence of the traditional classic upside down - conversely beginning with the funeral ceremony and working retrospectively back to the beginning. It is driven musically by the strong, stirring music of the composer Prokofiev.During its Johannesburg season the company will celebrate the anniversary of the 100th performance of its production of Roméo & Juliette.The show runs from 17-21 June, book tickets NOW

SPARTACUS OF AFRICA - JOBURG THEATRE 4-14 JUNE

A Spartacus of Africa, the re-choreographed ballet featuring the music of Khachaturian and accompanied by a full orchestra, opens at the Joburg Theatre on 4 June.Ballet and dance enthusiasts in Gauteng will be delighted to watch a cast of 100 dancers whilst they listen to a 70-strong orchestra performing an exciting new version of Spartacus, last produced in South Africa in the 1980s.Leading South African choreographer Veronica Paeper’s dream of once more staging this magnificent production for local audiences is at last coming true thanks to the South African National Dance Trust, a non-profit organisation founded in 2009 to promote the art form of dance through performance, education and the creation of job opportunities.Spartacus, the tale of a Thracian gladiator who led a major slave uprising against the Roman Empire in 73BC, mirrors the oppression that various African countries have fought to overcome, and presents an excellent opportunity for a large cast of classical ballet and contemporary dancers to give the story 21st century relevance.The cast of 35 professional dancers, excluding international guest artists, and complemented by 60 senior student dancers was selected after nationwide auditions. Veronica keeps all her solo and pas de deux choreography as classical ballet, whilst her assistant, David Krugel, introduces an internationally flavoured contemporary dance to the corps de ballet.The opening night on 4 June is a red carpet, gala night and VIP tickets cost R495 (which includes sparkling wine on arrival, a production programme and cocktail event after the performance with special guests and the cast).The Joburg Theatre season of 12 performances runs from 4-14 June. Ticket prices range from R150 – R450 and can be booked online or by telephone with the Joburg Theatre Box Office.

LOYISO GOLA LIVE - JOBURG THEATRE, 24TH JUNE

One night only, Live comedy performance by Loyiso Gola at The Mandela at Joburg TheatreHost of Emmy-nominated Late Night News (LNN) on eNCA and South Africa`s number one stand-up comedian, Loyiso Gola, is back doing a live stand-up comedy show at the Joburg Theatre this November. Loyiso Gola - Live will be an hour -long Live performance delivered in the format of our recent State of Nation, where Loyiso covers current affairs for the past 6 months. In true form to his outspoken and intelligently frank manner, an enthralling show can be expected. Never known as one to pull his punches – this comedy style has won him many admirers as he has continuously gone where most comedians don’t dare. In a society with constant heavy news and the recent State of Nation that left many uncertain as to the priorities of our government, this is a great way to bring to light serious matters in a lighter delivery which is does not distort the message.Book now at COMPUTICKET to see Loyiso Gola on 24th June only!

MISS DIETRICH REGRETS - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, 3-27 JUNE

MISS DIETRICH REGRETS was written by South African born playwright Gail Louw and explores the relationship between the legend that was Marlene Dietrich and her daughter Maria Riva, exposing the maladies and marvels of celebrity, fame and mother daughter relationships.Myths were created around movie stars in the early Hollywood days to enhance and increase allure and mystery, Marlene said she was not a myth but a ‘legend’ and the play interrogates just what that is.FIONA RAMSAY returns to the Auto & General Theatre on the Square to play the role of the iconic Marlene Dietrich. JANNA RAMOS-VIOLANTE makes her debut at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square playing the role of Maria, Marlene’s daughter. This marks the first of three productions Fiona and Janna are in at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square this year. Award winning director, SYLVAINE STRIKE will add her magical touch to this new piece that is currently running in London. DENIS HUTCHINSON will be doing the stage and lighting design and MARGO FLEISCH will be dressing the ladies.MISS DIETRICH REGRETS runs from 3-27 June. Bookings can be made by calling the theatre on 011 883-8606, Strictly Tickets on 082 553 5901 or book online:www.strictlytickets.com Enquire about group discounts and dinner show packages.

BORN TO PERFORM GALA CONCERT - THE LYRIC,GOLD REEF CITY, 1 JULY

Local stars Daniel Baron, Graeme Watkins, Nathan Ro and Cito join budding stars of tomorrow on stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY in the Born to Perform Gala Concert taking place at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Wednesday 1st July at 7:30pm.Born To Perform is a platform created by Gemma Marinus Donnelly and Matthew Marinus to create professional opportunities in the Performing Arts Industry for young budding talented children and teens.Originally coming from the UK, Gemma has been a major player in the musical theatre industry in SA for over 8 years before opening up an elite performing arts school (Stageworx School Of Performing Arts) in 2009. www.stageworx.co.zaPassionate about growing a bright future for our budding artists Gemma and Matthew are heavily involved in training and showcasing the future stars of SA.Matthew is best known as the talented drummer for The Graeme Watkins Project, but most recently is fast making a name for himself as “Dream Canvas Productions” - video production company he has recently formed - where he produces music videos and EPK’s for SA artists. www.dreamcanvas.co.zaThe combination of Matthew and Gemma has led to the Born To Perform platform. More info HEREThe inaugural event introducing the platform to the industry and public alike is the Born To Perform Gala Concert taking place at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Wednesday, 1st July.Tickets range from R180 – R220 and can be booked through Computicket or online at www.goldreefcity.co.za or by calling The Lyric Theatre Box Office on 011 248 5000.

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS - JOBURG THEATRE, 27/28 JUN

The incomparable Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be starring alongside the talented Johannesburg Youth Orchestra for two shows only in “A Night with the Stars” at The Joburg Theatre on Saturday 27 June at 7:30pm and Sunday 28 June at 3pm.Performing a selection of her unforgettable hits that made her the music icon she is today, audiences will delight in the orchestral interpretations of Motherland, Umquombothi, Natural Woman, Let the children live to name but a few.Yvonne will be joined on stage by South African X-Factor winners FOUR who have enjoyed a meteoric rise since their win, the soulful Monde Msutwana, Annemarie Steenkamp and Mzansi Youth Choir to ensure a 2-hour musical experience not to be missed.Operating in Soweto, Johannesburg, Evaton and Sebokeng, the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company(JYOC) is a centre of musical excellence in instrumental tuition. Responding to the needs of the youth in all communities, the JYOC is a meeting place for over 600 young people with musical aspirations. Almost 300 of the students are members of one of 10 graded ensembles and orchestras which cater for all levels of competence.Rendall adds; “The JYO, under the direction of Eddie Clayton, has risen to extraordinary heights and continues to amaze all who hear them.”A Night with the Stars with Yvonne Chaka Chaka and the JYO is being staged for 2 shows only on Saturday, 27 June at 7:30pm and Sunday, 28 June at 3pm.Tickets range from R150 – R300 and can be booked online at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling the Joburg Theatre Box Office on 0861 670 670. For group bookings of 10 or more tickets, contact the Theatre's ticketing office on (011) 877 6815 / 6853.

ONE REPUBLIC NATIVE TOUR - 19/21 JUNE, JHB DOME & CT GRANDWEST

Big Concerts has confirmed that OneRepublic will be coming to South Africa touring in support of their latest smash hit album, Native. They will be performing in Johannesburg on the 19th June 2015 at The Dome and Cape Town on 21st June 2015 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest.Presented by 947 and M-Net. Another Big Concerts Experience. OneRepublic have achieved huge international success throughout their career. Their first album ‘Dreaming Out Loud’ (2007) was certified as platinum earning them a Grammy nomination and went straight to number 1 in 16 countries. Their first single ‘Apologize’ remixed by Timbaland ranks in the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100’s All-Time Top Songs list and became a worldwide smash hit and their second single ‘Stop and Stare’ followed with the same success. Their second album ‘Waking Up’ (2009) spawned hit singles ‘All The Right Moves’ and ‘Good Life’.Concert dates are as follows, Johannesburg Friday 19th June at The Dome, tickets R340-R650, Cape Town on Sunday 21st June at GrandWest Arena, tickets R395-R595.Go to www.bigconcerts.com for all the information.

CLARKSON, HAMMOND & MAY LIVE - TICKETPRO DOME, 12-14 JUNE

For those looking for a truly elite, up close and personal opportunity, the Gala Dinner on Saturday 13th June is not to be missed. James May will be a part of this three course Gala Dinner event and, along with recently announced special guest Ken Block, will participate in a question and answer session with the guests.The Saturday night Gala Dinner event with James May and his racing driver hooligan guest, Ken Block, comes at a cost of R3495 per person (excl. VAT). This includes pre-show drinks, prime seating for the Saturday 6pm show, a 3-course post show dinner, Q&A with James May and Ken Block, a full complimentary bar (standard spirits), a corporate gift and parking. Book NOW‘Clarkson, Hammond & May Live’, with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May is set to electrify audiences with motoring mayhem when they touch down in Johannesburg at The TicketPro Dome from the 12th-14th June 2015. Visitors are urged not to miss this unique opportunity to see the boys live in the only South Africa dates scheduled for the tour, as they return to Johannesburg for the first time in four years. There are plenty of reasons to be among the lively crowd for the high octane arena show, fronted by Jeremy, James and Richard. It will feature a mix of beautiful cars, breath-taking stunts as well as all the irreverent humour that fans know and love from the trio. There will be a celebration of some of the world’s most stunning and special supercars, show-goers will see some highlights from ten years of global touring shows and there may even be a special guest or two! Fans of Clarkson, Hammond and May will be able to enjoy an action packed 90-minute arena show with new, never seen before sequences, as well as all of the supercars, stunts, fire and tyre smoke you’d expect from the three biggest car presenters in the world.South African fans will be treated to four scintillating arena shows, with ticket prices ranging from R395 per person for seating on the mezzanine level to R995 per person for seating in the first front rows of the arena. All tickets include entry into the motoring expo. ‘Clarkson, Hammond and May Live’ is set to be the highlight of South Africa’s entertainment calendar this year. Buy your tickets at www.clarksonhammondandmaylive.co.za

KENNY ROGERS, FAREWELL SOUTH AFRICA TOUR - 15/16/18 JUN2015

Due to the first two dates being sell-outs, Big Concerts and Kenny Rogers are giving fans one extra concert on the 17th June. Hurry, tickets will sell out fast! Book now at Computicket. GRAMMY Award-winning country superstar and music icon Kenny Rogers has enjoyed great success during his storied career of five and a half decades. The enduring Country Music Hall of Fame member and pop superstar has endeared music lovers around the globe with his amazing songs, heartfelt performances, distinctive voice, gift for storytelling and universal appeal. Rogers has played to millions of fans around the world, performing songs from his catalogue of 24 Number One hits, including “The Gambler,” “Islands In The Stream,” “She Believes In Me,” “Lucille,” “Coward Of The County,” “Lady,” “Through The Years,” “Daytime Friends,” “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” “You Decorated My Life,” “We’ve Got

ASPOESTERTJIE = THEATRE OF MARCELLUS, EMPERORS, 1-31 MAY

Add-Life Productions proudly presents “Aspoestertjie”, a brand new Afrikaans Pantomime at Emperors Palace from 1 to 31 May. Based on the well-known fairy tale, Cinderella, the production will feature the gorgeous Karlien van Jaarsveld in the title role, with Izak Davel as Prince Charming and the witty Soli Philander as the Narrator. Perfect family entertainment for the month of May, this romantic comedyhas been adapted to incorporate nuances that will leave adults in stiches, whilst the little ones will be enchanted by fantastical costumes, dance and song. “Aspoestertjie” was created by the same talented team responsible for the sold-out shows “Ester” and “Liefling,” and is sure to be another musical hit in Afrikaans theatre.Venue: Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors PalaceDates: 01 – 31 May 2015Doors: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 19h15Saturday three shows at 11h00, 15h00 and 20h00 Sundays, there will be two shows at 11h00 and 15h00. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 20h00Tickets are available from R160 per person and pensioners qualify for 10% discount and 10% discount for groups of 10 Booking: For more information and Bookings contact the Emperors Palace Box Office on 011 928 1297/1213, visit www.emperorspalace.com or Computicket www.computicket.com.

WHO'S YOUR DADDY - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE, 19-31 MAY

Joburg audiences are in for a treat! Chris Forrest is bringing his brand new, hilarious one-man show, Who’s Your Daddy? to the Auto & General Theatre on the Square in Sandton from the 19th to the 31st of May. A clueless dad’s journey to fatherhood, Who’s Your Daddy? is about his experience of becoming a father. From pregnancy to birth to looking after an infant and everything in between, the show is a hilarious look at what really happens and how to deal with it.A must for anyone hoping to become a parent or who is a parent or who knows a parent!Chris Forrest has been on the forefront of the SA comedy scene since the late 90’s. His unique dry sense of humour, quick wit and intelligent comedy has made him one of the country’s most popular comedians. Audiences are left in stitches wherever he goes.Chris has worked in almost every facet of comedy. Equally at home MCing an evening or just doing a spot, Chris has performed on every worthwhile comedy club, showcase and festival - locally and abroad. He is also currently gracing our screens as a celebrity contestant on M-Net’s Masterchef.Who’s Your Daddy? is written and performed by Chris Forrest and directed by Bevan Cullinan and proudly brought to you by Huggies It is on at Theatre on The Square from 19-31 May, tickets R130 from Strictly Tickets

FANTASTIC 50 - PIETER TOERIEN'S MONTECASINO THEATRE, 20 MAY- 7 JUN

FANTASTIC 50...A golden theatrical anniversary of laughter, love, glamour and humanity featuring fabulous costumes, dynamic dancing, magical music and pianist pow!When IAN VON MEMERTY, an “Emperor of Musical Theatre”, and VIVIENNE LAWRENCE a “Queen of Dance”, joined hands the result was bound to be a dance of delight and drama – a tango of tense passion and sinuous sensuality.As they both celebrate turning FANTASTIC 50 they share for the first time, the story of how they overcame the huge challenge of their children’s fatal genetic illnesses, conquering the statistics, celebrating life and continuing to hone their combined skills til “we are now working on a level we have never worked before”.An uplifting story of triumph over tragedy, their 25 year partnership is brought to enthralling theatrical life where the bling of the ballroom meets irreverent joie de vivre."Fantastic 50" runs in Johannesburg – MonteCasino Theater – 20 May – 7 June. Bookings through COMPUTICKET

NEON RUN JOZI - WANDERERS STADIUM, 16 MAY

JHB, get ready for the 'Neon Run' Night-Time Spectacular as it heads your way this weekend. The 2015 tour includes more UV, neon paint, graffiti walls and lasers than ever before with participants at each event in line to win amazing prizes including the use of a Mitsubishi car for a year. Those Discovery members taking part also get Discovery points. Join thousands of runners, joggers and walkers decked out in all manner of glow and neon paraphernalia as they complete the course and manoeuvre through glow stations before celebrating at the post-race party with a dazzling laser light show.Neon Run Johannesburg is on 16 May at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg presenting - 5FM DJs: Nick Hamman, Chris Taylor, Vic Naidoo and Roger GoodeBands: MiCasa and Rubber Duc and The IllustratorsGates open at 3pm with the race starting at 6:30pmTickets: R250 per person; under 11 pay R90. If you book 4 or more the price is R200 per person. Every ticket includes entry into race, the music festival, glow sticks and an official Neon Run head band.Buy tickets on Neon Run website www.neonrun.co.za OR at the following Lorna Jane Stores ~Fourways Mall: 011 705 1938, Morningside Shopping Centre: 011 784 5784, Nicolway, Braynston: 0860 567 625, Sandton City: 011 784 0428WIN A DOUBLE TICKET NOW

Multiple award winning Queen of Funk Chaka Khan and the godfather of the house music scene “Little” Louie Vega are the headline acts at the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival, presented by Nedbank, which takes place at Huddle Recreation Park on Saturday, June 6.South Africa’s biggest food and music extravaganza returns to Jozi with sizzling entertainment and an even bigger focus this year on food and all things culinary. The Delicious restaurant will be hosted by MasterChef SA judge Pete Goffe-Wood with live demonstrations and exciting cook-offs at the Food Network pavilion by Food Network celebrity chefs Reza Mohammad, Siba Mtongana and Jenny Morris.The organisers of DStv Delicious, VWV Massive – the music festival for food lovers and the food festival for music lovers – will be bringing festival patrons fresh, locally produced food in a gourmet food market while at the same time showcasing some mouth-watering new finds in food, street-chefs, food trucks and delectable trends.So whether you are a foodie or a muso get your tickets and get ready for SA’s biggest food and music extravaganza. It promises to be the not-to-be-missed event on the 2015 events calendar. International dance music group Drizabone will perform alongside local music acts Muzart, The Muffinz, Vusi Mashlasela and DJ Unathi Nkayi at the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival, presented by Nedbank.*General Access Tickets:R450 per person*Delicious Lounge Tickets (Cashless environment)R900 per person*Includes the following:Delicious Lounge NFC card to use within the lounge area, R150 loaded onto card to spend at bar, VIP Parking, VIP Entrance, VIP Bathrooms, Premium Bar, Air-conditioned luxury tented lounge, Viewing Deck(No children will be allowed into the Delicious Lounge area unless they have a valid Delicious Lounge access ticket)*Decadance Luxury LoungeR3500 per personIncludes the following:Delicious Festival Entrance tickets, VIP Parking, VIP Luxury Lounge and Décor, Private viewing balconies in the lounge, Full upscale canapé and tasting menu for lunch and dinner, Cheeseboard, tea and coffee, Private bespoke bar facilities, Full complimentary Premium Bar from 11am – 9pm, VIP toilet facilities, Plasma screens, Fully staffed facility including dedicated waitresses, hostesses, bar staff and senior management(No Under 18’s allowed into the Decadance Luxury Lounge area)*Kids Access Tickets:Kids under 12 @ R200 per childIncludes access to General Access areas and DStv Kids Zone(No children will be allowed into the Delicious Lounge area unless they have a valid Delicious Lounge access ticket)Tickets are now on sale fromwww.ticketpro.co.za.

WHAT THE EFF - LYRIC THEATRE, GOLD REEF CITY, 23 MAY

South African comedian Nik Rabinowitz will be performing live at The Lyric at Gold Reef City on Saturday 23 May in his one-man show 'What the EFF?'. As a South African, you might find yourself asking, ‘What the F?’ every now and again – or maybe every day or maybe every five minutes. Nik Rabinowitz thinks a more relevant question is “What the EFF?” It’s a broad question with a specific feeling...you know that feeling. You’re about to enjoy one of modern life’s greatest pleasures - dinner in front of the TV, and then it’s all snatched away from you in an instant - load shedding. Whether it’s the robots that haven’t worked in so long that drivers are confused when they do work; or politicians marching into parliament in Pep Store overalls, hard hats and Italian shoes, at some point you’re going to ask yourself, "What the EFF?” Nik has traversed the leafy green ganglands of Constantia, the boom-poled wonderland of Sandton and the imaginary book storage lockers of Limpopo amongst other complex terrain – all to try to bring you some answers to this question, during his latest performance at The Lyric, May 23rd.Book tickets HERE from R150-R200.

PEOPLE ARE LIVING THERE - MARKET THEATRE, 22 APRIL-24 MAY

Theatre lovers will have an opportunity to see one of Athol Fugard’s more unusual plays when People Are Living There opens at the Market Theatre. While most of Fugard’s works tackle apartheid, People Are Living There sees the acclaimed playwright venture into different territory. This is one of only two Fugard plays that do not concern Apartheid or township life. Instead this psychological study written in 1968 focuses on four downtrodden white people living in the centre of Johannesburg. Fugard garnered material for the play when he and his wife stayed in lodgings in Braamfontein when he was employed by the Johannesburg Native Commissioners court house.Milly (Anna-Mart van der Merwe), the main character and landlady, is celebrating her 50th birthday. She has recently been cast aside by her long-term lover and the hurt and loneliness cut deep. The other characters are the lodgers in her home, starting with Don (Carel Nel), a young man whose pretentions at being the academic type are let down by his lack of drive and ambition. His fellow lodgers are a young couple, Shorty (Francois Jacobs) and Sissy (Dania Gelderblom) Shorty is a sweet but simple-minded man with a passion for boxing. He married 18-year-old Sissy after falling in love with her on their first meeting. But Sissy is restless and looking for something more, marrying Shorty only because she saw him as an opportunity to rise above her own dismal circumstances.The play is directed by Andre Odendaal, with lighting design by Mannie Manim.People Are Living There runs from-Wednesday 22 April – Sunday 24 May 2015Venue:The Barney Simon TheatrePerformance times:Tuesdays to Saturdays @ 20h15 and Sundays @ 15h15 NB: Tickets cost R90.00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!To make block bookings, please contact Anthony Ezeoke or Neo Letsogo on 011 832 1641ext 121 or 135.

LET'S GET IT ON - JOBURG THEATRE

Joburg Theatre is proud to announce the star casting of award-winning musician LLOYD CELE in the international production of LET’S GET IT ON – THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF MARVIN GAYE: on The Mandela stage for a limited season from May 7th to May 16th 2015.Lloyd recently won ‘Best R&B’ single for ALL I NEED IS YOU at the Metro FM Awards and says this is a perfect fit for the show. “Marvin Gaye has always been one of my idols, and I’m extremely excited to have been given this opportunity to portray this music icon on stage.”LET’S GET IT ON – THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF MARVIN GAYE is produced by Helpman award-winning producer Simon Myers and Moira Bennett from Room 8 productions whose recent shows include THE MAN IN BLACK – THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH, AT LAST – THE ETTA JAMES STORY and TAKE ME HOME COUNTRY ROADS – THE JOHN DENVER STORY.This is their first production in South Africa. The producers were very keen to cast a local singing personality for the show and found their star in Lloyd Cele.LET’S GET IT ON – THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF MARVIN GAYEis atwo-hour narrative concert that celebrates the life and music of the multi-talented musician, singer and songwriter acknowledged as The Prince of Motown – The Prince of Soul.The show features some of Marvin’s most beloved songs including ‘I Heard It ThroughThe Grapevine’, ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, his stunning spiritual masterwork ‘What’sGoing On’, the Grammy Award-winning ‘Sexual Healing’ and many more.The show explores Marvin's humble beginnings, his troubled relationship with his father, his search for meaning and the music that defined a generation. Performances for LET’S GET IT ON – THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF MARVIN GAYE begin in The Mandela at Joburg Theatre on Thursday May 7th and the limited season must close on Saturday May 16th. Shows are at 8pm Thursdays to Saturdays, and 3pm on Sundays.Tickets range from R180 to R350, and are on sale by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com, or by calling the theatre’s ticketing line on 0861 670 670. Discounted rates for groups of ten or more are available by calling Joburg Theatre on (011) 877 6853/6815. WIN tickets here.

THE SNOW GOOSE - THEATRE ON THE SQUARE

THE SNOW GOOSE is developed from the original Paul Gallico story by Jenine Collocott,James Cairns and Taryn Bennett. It’s directed by Jenine Collocott and performedby James Cairns and Taryn BennettA multi-tissue play, THE SNOW GOOSE celebrates writer Paul Gallico and 1940's values.“It's an immense achievement. And it will make you cry. A lot!”An adaption of Paul Gallico’s classic novella played out on the desolate Essex marshes and against the background of the miracle of Dunkirk. A wounded, storm tossed snow goose brings a young girl, Fritha, and the recluse Philip Rhayader together in a moving story about love and courage. The Snow Goose is a classic favourite that has captured the hearts of young and old readers alike over the past seven decades.The production has been brought to life by the dream creative team of director Jenine Collocott (Sunday Morning and Dirt – both at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square and High Diving) with actors James Cairns (The Three Little Pigs, Sie Weiss Alles, Dirt – Auto & General Theatre on the Square) and Taryn Bennett (Sie Weiss Alles, Kaput,Frogs).The Snow Goose runs at Theatre on The Square from 28th April until 16th May. Bookings can be made by calling the theatre on 011 883-8606,Strictly Tickets on 082 553 5901 or book online:www.strictlytickets.comEnquire about school groupings, group discounts and dinner show packages.

PHOTO courtesy Dex Goodman

PYTHONESQUE - PIETER TOERIEN'S MONTE THEATRE

Playwright ROY SMILES’ brilliant and irreverent history of comedy comes to a fitting climax with his ingenious and hysterically funny PYTHONESQUE. Having conjured up the spirit of The Goons in "Ying Tong – A Walk With The Goons", and resurrected the ground-breaking satire of Beyond the Fringe and Pete and Dud in "Good Evening", SMILES completes the trilogy in a play especially commissioned by Pieter Toerien.PYTHONESQUE tells the story of the Oxford and Cambridge graduates John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and the previously American, Terry Gilliam, who came together in 1969 to form one of the best loved comedy troupes ever – Monty Python’s Flying Circus! (... who the hell was Monty Python anyway?) At least one of them is dead. There are only four actors on stage.Do you remember The Dead Parrot, The Lumberjack Song, Nudge-Nudge Wink-Wink, The Spanish Inquisition, The Cheese Shop and The Ministry of Silly Walks? And the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life? Good, because we remember them, too! Amongst the cast of thousands (well, four, as we mentioned that before, but they are called upon to portray an awful lot of people and it’s very demanding and tiring on them as performers, but you probably don’t care about that at all, to which we say, “We quite understand”…) you will find some of this country’s most skilled and dazzling performers Graham Hopkins (Ying Tong, Around the World in 80 Days, The 39 Steps, SABCTV's The Lab, JEEVES & WOOSTER in Perfect Nonsense), Theo Landey (Address Unknown, Around The World in 80 Days), Robert Fridjohn (Modern Othodox, It's A Dad Thing, WILD, Boeing Boeing, The Mousetrap, JEEVES & WOOSTER in Perfect Nonsense) and Russel Savadier (Twitch) They have accepted that their payment for their labours will probably be in tins of Spam, but they don’t mind, because they love the Pythons and think ROY SMILES is a genius. Pythonesque runs at Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Theatre 17 April-17 May, book COMPUTICKET, R100-R170